What it means to be a Young Ranger
Young Ranger sessions
Young rangers work on a wide range of practical conservation tasks. In summer we are often up in the fells repairing and maintaining upland paths. At other times of year we could be involved in a variety of other conservation tasks such as dry-stone-walling, hedge-laying, woodland work, tree planting, invasive species control and wildlife surveys. Most meetings are outdoors although we sometimes get together for indoor training or social events.
What our young rangers say about the programme
I’m planning to do it as a job, and I’ve always liked the outdoors. From a young age, I’ve seen what a difference people can make to help out with the planet and reinstate the environment.
Llewellyn, Young Ranger
I’m doing young rangers for my Duke of Edinburgh Award. I’m doing it just because I like being outside, being in the mountains, and helping to protect them.
Joe, Young Ranger
Young ranger schedule
The sessions are planned through to the end of the year, please see the full list of dates below.
We usually meet on the third Sunday of the month (unless mentioned below). Further details about each month’s session will be sent out with as much notice as possible.
Sunday 18th January 2026
Sunday 15th February 2026
Sunday 22nd March 2026 (4th Sunday to avoid Mothers Day)
Sunday 19th April 2026
Sunday 17th May 2026
Sunday 14th June 2026 (2nd Sunday to avoid Fathers Day)
Sunday 19th July 2026
Sunday 16th August 2026
Sunday 20th September 2026
Sunday 18th October 2026
Sunday 15th November 2026
Sunday 13th December 2026 (2nd week)
How to apply
The young rangers programme is currently full. We will re-open applications when spaces become available. Please read the FAQs below for further information.
Frequently asked questions
We meet once a month on a Sunday, from 10am – 4pm throughout the year. We usually meet on the third Sunday of the month, but dates will be sent out with as much notice as possible.
We try to organise a varied and interesting programme of activities and also offer some social events and training opportunities such as First Aid and Navigation courses.
In return, we do ask that you commit to attend regularly (although we understand that people may be away or unavailable on the odd occasion.)
All over the Lake District National Park. Locations can vary from high fells to valleys and woodlands depending on what is required by different organisations and the time of year. Currently we are asking everyone to make their own way to the volunteering sites.
We really do go out whatever the weather – all year round, and as this is the Lake District we often experience all four seasons in one day! While we prepare with the right clothes and equipment, it can sometimes be challenging working outside. We tend to keep our sessions on the high fells to the summer months, so you wouldn’t be expected to be out up high in the worst winter weather.
The days are led by our volunteer leaders and the practical work is supervised by a Ranger or other member of staff. The Fix the Fells sessions are run by a National Trust Ranger, along with support from specialist Fix the Fells volunteers.
Our leaders are committed to helping young people experience the outdoors, and are there to ensure the sessions are safe, engaging and fulfilling. All leaders have experience in working with young people and are fully trained in First Aid, Risk Management and must undergo enhanced DBS checks. Young people do not need to be accompanied.
You will need to bring full waterproofs and warm clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. You will also need to bring food and drink, sun cream and insect repellent according to the season. All other equipment, such as gloves and safety boots, is provided. We can lend work waterproofs for Fix the Fells sessions.
No previous experience is necessary, but conservation work, particularly upland path work, can be strenuous and tiring – so you will need to be physically fit and able, keen to learn and willing to listen and follow health and safety guidance. It can be messy and dirty too but it is great fun, and we do stop for regular rests. The days are planned specifically with young people in mind.
As part of the young rangers programme we offer the opportunity to join our volunteer training courses in First Aid and Navigation. This is a unique way of broadening your skill set alongside the worthwhile conservation volunteering of young rangers.
We accept volunteers from Cumbria and neighbouring counties however to minimise the carbon impact of our volunteering programmes, we will prioritise those local to volunteering activity sites.
