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.
An application pack to enter the training system can be downloaded here:
Download the information pack and application form (PDF 950Kb)
If you do not have a printer, an application pack can be requested by e-mailing the Field Services Administration Team rangers@peakdistrict.gov.uk.
Or alternatively, an application pack can be requested by phoning the Admin. Team on 01629 816 290 and speaking to Karen, Chris or Nikki.
Successful applicants will be invited to attend four pre-visits at four different Ranger Briefing Centres; spending the day on patrol with one of our Part-Time Rangers to see if working with the Rangers is for you. Bookings for pre-visits are made through the Admin. Team.
Briefing Centres
- Brunts Barn, Grindleford, near Sheffield
- Derbyshire Bridge, Goyt Valley, near Buxton
- Dovestone, Greenfield, near Oldham
- Edale, High Peak
- Fairholmes, at Labybower Reservoir, Upper Derwent Valley
- 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
On completion of the four pre-visits you are invited for an 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.
Following a successful interview you will be offered a place on the training course and issued with a logbook, which should be taken with you on each day’s patrol.
A Full-Time Ranger will be allocated to you as a mentor whilst you are training; they are the person to contact should you need advice. Your mentor will keep a record of your progress as you advance through your training.
Training Course
- Ten visits to Briefing Centres
A minimum of ten visits must be completed before attending the training modules.
- Training modules
Completed over five weekends.
- Further Briefing Centre visits
As many visits as you would like to do until the final assessment.
- First Aid qualification
Minimum qualification required is the one day Appointed Persons Course which must be obtained before taking the final assessment.
- Final assessment
Training Modules:
Weekend 1
Residential at Losehill Hall; the National Park Centre for Environmental Education at 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 Module.
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.
Please note that there is a great demand for places on the residential element of the training course and you may have to wait for up to twelve months for a place to become available.
Hurray! I’ve passed, what happens now?
Having passed the final assessment you will be invited to take up a Part-Time Volunteer Ranger post; if a position is available, patrolling every other weekend from your base at one of our Briefing Centres.
If no Part-Time position is currently available, you will patrol as a qualified Volunteer Ranger from any of our Briefing Centres. Volunteer Rangers patrol for a minimum of twenty days each year, for the first three years, for their accreditation to remain valid.
