IS IT A BIRD, is it a plane? No, it’s Enviroyouth.

Armed and trained with hand saws and loppers, a group of super youths have made light work of cutting back gorse to aid wildlife at Castle Hill.

Gorse had been threatening wildlife habitats in the shadow of the historic Jubilee Tower.

And Kirklees Council has sent in its crack team of volunteers to cut back the problem.

Enviroyouth is a group for 14 to 25-year-olds who want to help with conservation projects across Kirklees.

Many of the volunteers use the skills they learn as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award or to secure jobs or apprenticeships.

Enviroyouth meets every month and work on a variety of projects.

They have repaired footpaths, built bridges, planted trees and tackled invasive weeds such as ragwort.

Next month they will be digging a pond for great crested newts.

Anyone aged between 14 and 25 can join but must be physically able.

Andy Wickham, the council’s countryside project officer, said the Enviroyouth provided a big boost to environmental work across the district.

“Enviroyouth have been instrumental in the management of Castle Hill over the last couple of years and we try to guide and support them with our experience if this is what they want to do,” he said.

“One has already passed his first chain saw certificate at the age of 16 and others are keen to work in the countryside.

“With new opportunities in the pipeline, including apprenticeships at conservation organisations and within Kirklees Council, I am sure these youngsters will be well placed.”

The fields below Castle Hill need to be managed otherwise gorse would take over.

“People think Castle Hill is a natural environment but it has to be managed to continue to look the way it does,” said Mr Wickham.

“Gorse spreads and would grow right across Castle Hill if left unchecked.”

Castle Hill ranger Julian Brown said Enviroyouth allowed young people to train for future careers and meet other like-minded volunteers.

He added: “It’s important they socialise in a work environment too. It’s certainly an advantage over social networking.”

Stefan Wright, 18, one of the Enviroyouth, hopes to group will be a stepping stone for him.

“I have always had a passion for a job in the countryside,” he said.

“I am looking at applying for a trainee position with the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust soon and Enviroyouth has been great in helping me.”

Anyone who wants to join Enviroyouth should contact Andy Wickham on 01484 222960.