Volunteering opportunities

Home Authority Volunteering Volunteering opportunities

Our volunteers play an important role in almost every aspect of the Lake District National Park Authority’s work. There are likely to be volunteers active somewhere in the Lake District on every day of the year!

Most volunteer roles require a regular commitment so will best suit those resident in Cumbria. We welcome applications from everyone aged 18 and over, with no upper age limit and we run a Young Rangers programme for those aged 14-18. Learn more about what our volunteers do below and find out which roles we are currently recruiting for.

Archaeology volunteers

Archaeology volunteers investigate and protect the Lake District’s hidden history by taking part in archaeological surveys and conservation work.

A man wearing waterproofs using a mattock on rocky ground with grass in the foreground and a footpath and other people holding mattocks and buckets in the background

Fix the Fells

Fix the Fells is a partnership which helps maintain the upland footpaths across Lake District National Park. With such high footfall, it is important we help care for and protect the landscape for the future.

Bicycles on tarmacked Keswick to Threlkeld path in wooded area

Miles Without Stiles

Miles Without Stiles routes help give more people access to Lake District countryside. Volunteers help assess how accessible paths are for those with limited mobility or wheelchair users.

Volunteer leaders on a Lake District Guided Walk walking past bracken

Guided walk leaders

Our volunteer guided walk leaders unlock the Lake District National Park landscape to thousands of visitors a year, facilitating around 150 walks from Easter to October.

Looking towards backs of two Lake Rangers sitting in wheelhouse of boat on a lake.

Volunteer lake rangers

Ullswater and Coniston are patrolled by skilled volunteer lake rangers who help keep lake users safe and promote responsible use of the waters.

Young rangers

Our young rangers programme is for volunteers aged 14-18 who get out each month to learn new skills and meet new friends through practical conservation activities with both LDNP Rangers and a variety of partner organisations.

More about young rangers

Image of people in foreground blurred and person in background pointing towards woodland, giving guidance to group.

Young Ranger Leaders

Young Ranger Leaders lead and inspire young people in the Lake District National Park by helping to facilitate our Young Ranger programme.

Customer Adviser staff member holding leaflets and speaking with a person wearing a backpack inside a Lake District National Park information centre.

Information centre volunteers

Volunteers at our information centres are a friendly face offering advice and information to the Lake District’s millions of visitors.

Landscape image of grassy fell with three people in the distance and big blue sky.

Get Your Bearings trainers

Our Get Your Bearings volunteer trainers are experienced outdoor professionals who provide navigation and outdoor courses to ensure our volunteers have the skills they need to carry out their role safely.

Family wearing helmets with a young girl sat on picnic benches with the bikes resting up against them

Ranger services volunteers

Ranger services volunteers support our rangers in their work including practical work parties, rights of way surveys and care of our properties such as the Keswick to Threlkeld trail, Caldbeck Common and Bassenthwaite Lake National Nature Reserve.

The LDNPA volunteering programme is committed to ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for all. Please contact us to discuss any adjustments we can implement to make volunteering or applying to a voluntary position more accessible. We can be contacted at volunteers@lakedistrict.gov.uk (opens email).