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Young Rangers

Young Ranger volunteers clearing drains on the paths up to Blencathra

Fix the Fells is delighted to be working with the Lake District National Park authority and the National Trust to offer the Young Rangers volunteer programme, a monthly practical conservation group for people aged between 14 and 18 who love the outdoors and want to help conserve it. The scheme offers the fantastic opportunity for young volunteers to get involved in all aspects of Fix the Fells work: from helping to maintain the Lake District’s extensive upland path network, to repairing and constructing paths using traditional techniques and materials. In addition the young rangers also work with staff to try their hands at other countryside tasks such as dry-stone walling, hedgelaying and woodland work. The Young Rangers are led by dedicated volunteer Neil Davies, working closely with Fix the Fells volunteer development ranger Matt Tweed.

Following the first Young Rangers day on the fells, Matt commented “It’s great to see younger people getting involved in caring for the incredible Lake District landscape, and a real pleasure to be working with such an enthusiastic and friendly bunch. Thanks to those who have joined us and I am looking forward to lots of fun and rewarding days ahead out on the fells.”

Want to get involved?

Are you aged between 14 and 18?

Live in Cumbria?

Practical, outdoorsy, and available one Saturday a month?

Happy to be outside in all weathers?

At the moment we are busy training our latest group of Young Ranger recruits and so not taking on new volunteers. However, if you think the scheme may be for you then please read the FAQ’s and Questions to ask yourself sections below to find out more about what’s involved. If you would like to register your interest then contact  annie.duckworth@lakedistrict.gov.uk

Becoming a Young Ranger is an amazing opportunity to get out in the fells, make new friends, learn new skills, and contribute to a project that conserves the paths of the Lake District for people today, tomorrow, and beyond to enjoy.

It’s also a great way to complete the volunteering section of the DofE Award Programme or the four challenges that lie at the heart of the John Muir Award. But it’s not always a walk in the park!

Before you commit to helping us care for the Lake District fells, we want to be absolutely certain it is the right role for you.
Please ask yourself the following questions:

Am I willing to spend a full day out on the fells in all weathers?

We really do go out whatever the weather – all year round, and as this is the Lake District we often experience all four seasons in one day.  While we prepare with the right clothes and equipment, it can sometimes be challenging working outside.

Can I commit to one Saturday a month?

The Young Rangers meet one Saturday a month at various locations across the National Park.  We try to organise a varied and interesting programme of activities and also offer some social events and training opportunities.   In return, we do ask that you commit to attend regularly (although we understand that people may be away or unavailable on the odd occasion.)

Do I have access to transport and live within a reasonable distance of the Lake District National Park?

Fix the Fells Young Ranger days take place in some of the most beautiful locations in Britain – often remote parts of the National Park which are not well served by public transport. We can help to organise lift shares but unfortunately we are not set up to provide group transport. For this reason, we do require Young Rangers to have access to transport and live within easy reach of the Lakes.

If you have answered yes to all of the above, then please register your interest aith  Annie.Duckworth@lakedistrict.gov.uk

What sort of things are Fix the Fells Young Rangers involved in?

Young Rangers work on a wide range of practical conservation tasks. In summer  we are mainly up in the fells repairing and maintaining upland paths. At other times of year we could be involved in a variety of other conservation tasks such as dry-stone-walling, hedge-laying, and woodland work. Most meetings are outdoors although we sometimes get together for indoor training or social events .

When?

We meet once a month on a Saturday, from 10am – 4pm throughout the year.

Where?

All over the Lake District National Park, locations can vary from high fells to valleys and woodlands depending on what is required by Fix the Fells staff and the time of year.

Who leads the group?

The days are led by our dedicated volunteer leader – Neil, and the practical work is supervised by a National Trust Ranger, along with support from specialist Fix the Fells volunteers. All leaders have experience in working with young people and are fully trained in First Aid and Risk Management. Young people do not need to be accompanied.

What equipment do I need?

You will need to bring full waterproofs and warm clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. You will also need to bring food and drink, sun cream and insect repellent according to the season. All other equipment, such as gloves and safety boots, is provided. We can lend work waterproofs given enough notice.

Do I need any specialist skills or previous experience?

No previous experience is necessary, but conservation work, particularly upland path work, can be strenuous and tiring – so you will need to be physically fit and able, keen to learn and willing to listen and follow health and safety guidance. It can be messy and dirty too but it is great fun, and we do stop for regular rests. The days are planned specifically with young people in mind.