Ranger Service
Ranger training course
The ranger service provides a comprehensive training course which is open to people aged 18 to 64 who would like to become volunteer rangers. Application forms to enter the training system are available from the Field Services administration team at the National Park Office, Bakewell or email rangers@peakdistrict.gov.uk. Please note that because of the huge interest in becoming a volunteer there is a great demand for places on each training course and you may have to wait 6 to 12 months before a place becomes available.
If the applicant meets the requirements of the application form they are then invited to undertake four primary visits to any of the Briefing Centres below.
- Brunts Barn, Grindleford, near Sheffield
- Derbyshire Bridge, Goyt Valley, near Buxton
- Dovestone, Greenfield, near Oldham
- Edale, High Peak
- Fairholmes, Derwent Valley, near Sheffield
- Longdendale, near Glossop
- Hayfield, High Peak
- Langsett, near Penistone, Sheffield
- Marsh Farm, Meerbrook, near Leek
- Millers Dale, Wormhill, near Buxton
- Parsley Hay, near Buxton
- Stanage, near Hathersage
- Trentabank, Macclesfield Forest, near Sutton
Bookings are made through the administration team at the National Park Office in Bakewell. These visits are designed for you to see if the type of work that the ranger service carries out would suit you, and of course for the ranger service to see if you would be suited to the team.
On completion of the four pre-visits you are invited for an informal interview at which you will be able to discuss any issues arising from your initial visits and you will be asked questions regarding your commitment to training.
If successful you will be allocated to a full-time ranger as mentor and issued with a logbook, which should be taken with you whenever you go on patrol. Your mentor is somebody to contact at any reasonable time if you need advice or have any problems. Your mentor will keep a record of your progress as you advance through the system.
The training is aimed at providing a comprehensive and rounded view of the roles of the ranger service and the course comprises a series of modules in which you will learn and practise a host of subjects. The modules run over a six-month period:
Weekend 1 (residential at Losehill Hall, the National Park Centre for Environmental Education, Castleton)
Role of the ranger and national parks module
Weekend 2
Field trip
– north
single day looking at biodiversity in the Dark Peak
Weekend 3 (residential at Hagg Farm, a Study Centre on the Snake Pass)
Countryside safety and navigation
Weekend 4
Field
trip – south
single day looking at biodiversity in the White Peak
Weekend 5
Navigation assessment
single day assessment including
written paper and practical
Weekend 6 (held at National Park Office, Bakewell)
Final assessment
In addition to attending the above formal days during the training period a trainee will be expected to undertake a minimum of ten visits to briefing centers prior to the final assessment
After you have passed the assessment and have obtained a first aid qualification (minimum requirement is the one day Appointed Person qualification) you will be invited to take up a part time post based at one of our centers (if a position is available). If you choose to be a volunteer your accreditation will remain valid if you commit to 20 days per annum for the first three years after qualification.
The training and assessment to become a volunteer ranger in the Peak District National Park is comprehensive and requires much work and dedication by the candidate. It is not easy but high quality training never is. Many of our past volunteer rangers have achieved full-time positions both within the Peak District and at other national and country parks. Although hard, the training is enjoyable and you are sure to increase your awareness of the countryside and make many new friends.
