Ranger Service

Environmental Education and the Ranger Service

The ranger service delivers environmental education in formal school environments and as informal activities and events for the general public, such as guided walks and family activities. As part of the Promoting and Understanding Strategy the ranger service is responsible for working with all primary schools within the Peak District National Park.

Nature Play Days and Countryside Activity Days

During the summer holidays the ranger service runs Nature Play Days for children under the age of six. The aim is to encourage children and their families to experience the natural environment in a safe, but fun way together. Many young children do not have the opportunity to explore and discover the countryside through play and the Nature Play Days give them the chance to get their hands dirty; and smell, feel and discover some of the wonders of the natural world around them. Activities include mud painting, river dipping, story telling, music and movement outside, painting with natural materials and making models. The venues for these days are spread around the National Park and dates can be found in the published literature advertising the ranger service guided walks and also on this website under guided walks and events.

Countryside Activity Days are run at a number of locations in the National Park and are aimed at giving older children and their families an opportunity to have a try at some of the activities that the National Park has to offer, learn how they can help protect and conserve the special places in the National Park and see demonstrations of moorland fire fighting equipment.

Peak Park Leisure Walks

Peak Park Leisure Walks is a joint project between the ranger service and North Derbyshire Health Authority. Each year ten walks are held for people whose health would benefit from walking as a form of gentle exercise. Walkers are usually put forward by their doctor or health visitor. Community Transport, a packed lunch and creche facilities are provided. In 1995 this project won the Regional Health Alliance award. For more information phone 01629 816288 or email christina.porter@peakdistrict.gov.uk.

Youth Rangers Programme in the Peak District National Park

Are you aged between 13 and 15, interested in nature conservation, want to learn new skills and understand more about your national park? If so the Youth Ranger Programme may be for you. It gives an insight into the role and work of a ranger by providing basic training and practical experience. To find out more log onto www.youthrangers.com  the website designed by children who have taken part in the programme and are qualified youth rangers.

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