‘Full countryside training’
The South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA)’S volunteer ranger scheme trains and supports people who are passionate about our national park and have a bit of spare time on their hands, giving them a chance to learn about countryside management and make a big difference.
According to SDNPA volunteer development officer Daniel Greenwood, volunteer rangers’s activites are largely based on protecting and enhancing the national habitats of the national park. They might find themselves working outdoors on practical conservation work and access improvement, monitoring the condition of the South Downs Way National Trail or other access in the area or taking part in officebased projects.
Daniel said: “Tasks range from clearing chalk grassland to helping with work in our area offices or headquarters.”
Outdoor volunteer rangers, for example, carry out practical conservations and public relations work, with the balance varying slightly according to the area, season and people’s area of expertise, but also provide advice and guidance to visitors.
Daniel said: “They normally work in their local area, as part of mid-week and/or weekend working groups - we provide transport for these outdoor groups from local pick-up points and training, tools and equipment are always provided.” Daniel said people generally like to be part of social groups in their area.
Typical tasks include chalk grassland and healthland conservation, scrub clearance, woodland management, hedge laying, improving public access and surveys of flora and fauna. These are supported by onthe-job training from team leaders, plus compulsory classroom-based training to gain a broad introduction to countryside management and conservation.
Would-be members of this army of volunteer rangers need to be 18 or over and comfortable committing to 12 days’ volunteering a year, with a few exceptions.
While many are of retirement age, the SDNPA has been working on youth engagement and has now created two volunteer youth ambassador roles.
To find out more, read the Voluntary Ranger Service’s newsletter, Downland Thymes, and details of how to volunteer at www.southdowns.gov.uk