Help manage woodland in the Lakes, Cumbria, England

Derwentwater is widely regarded as the most picturesque lake in the Lake District. Think of spectacular sunsets over a mirror-like lake, with a backdrop of dramatic mountains. You will be living alongside badgers and red squirrels, with peregrine falcons nesting nearby, and a wealth of woodland wildlife within the hostel grounds. Derwentwater Youth Hostel is in a tranquil spot on the lakeshore, yet is still only a couple of miles from Keswick, the bustling town at the heart of the Lake District National Park.

The hostel's 17 acre grounds are in themselves a fantastic habitat, with mature woodland rolling down the rugged hillside, either side of a tumbling beck.

On the Spetember holiday you will be cutting down the rhododendron bushes which block out the light getting to the woodland floor and prevents native wildlife from flourishing and dragging the branches to the fire site, where they will be burned in a great big bonfire - great for keeping you warm on a chilly day. There will also be a variety of other woodland management tasks to do, to keep up the biodiversity of the woodland.

On the holiday in March 2012 you will be creating a nature trail within the grounds, working on improving the footpath along the nature trail route, and fixing stone steps which lead up to the waterfall. If there is time, there will also be opportunities to create wildlife habitats, whether that is minibeast log piles or building bird boxes, or to contribute towards the nature trail and outdoor classroom facilities at the hostel.

Barrow House is a 220-year-old mansion boasting extensive grounds, including woodlands (some designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest or SSSI), and a spectacular waterfall. This waterfall powers the hostel's hydro-generator, providing up to 5 kilowatts per hour of electricity. The hostel has links both to lake and fell: with its grounds right on the shore of Derwentwater, there are opportunities to walk along the lakeside, paddle or just enjoy the scenery, and there are also footpaths up into the fells from the hostel's grounds. The hostel has a well equipped self catering kitchen, and a drying room for wet clothes. Accommodation is in dormitories within the mansion house, with warm showers.

Paddle in the lake, or catch the launch nearby and stop off at any of the six jetties to explore Derwentwater's shoreline. There is a vast network of walks to suit all levels: numerous walks start from just outside the door ranging from easy strolls around Lake Derwentwater to more challenging High Fell walks. There are possibilities to get involved in all kinds of outdoor activities, from canoeing to cycling, orienteering to hill walking. Keswick is popular for theatre visits, while Castlerigg stone circle is a worthwhile visit.

If you choose to spend the evening at home, there is a range of common rooms in Barrow House to lounge in. The hostel has its own bar and a games room with table tennis table.