Visitors to the Lake District are once again enjoying the health and wellbeing benefits of the National Park, and this season that includes a warm welcome from the Authority’s 75 new visitor welcome volunteers.
Whether it’s advice about travel or the best fell walk, keeping the park litter-free, or just saying ‘hello’, as the Countryside Code suggests, the new volunteers are ready to help people make the most of their Lake District adventure.
Chris Wingrove, Volunteer Team Leader with the Lake District National Park Authority said: “We were delighted to welcome our new recruits onto their first shifts during the Easter holidays – there’s already been positive feedback from visitors and our local communities. It’s great that the volunteers themselves are thoroughly enjoying their new roles; if you see them when you’re out and about please do say hello.”
Nicola from Wigton loved her first shift. She said: “The role combines my love of meeting new people and being in the area I love the most. I want to help visitors make the most of their day out.”
Penrith resident, Marguerite commented: “As a local I’ve seen the impact volunteers can have on our communities and I would like to give something back.”
And new volunteer Charlotte from Staveley added: “I grew up in the city and the Lake District continues to amaze me every single day – I can really understand the excitement that visitors to the National Park feel. I’d like to enjoy that experience with them, and share my knowledge of the local area so they can have the best experience whilst being stewards for the environment.”
The Lake District National Park is still recruiting for more visitor welcome volunteers and will have training sessions throughout the summer, to apply please visit: www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/volunteering and click on ‘Visitor Support volunteer’ to apply. People can also email volunteers@lakedistrict.gov.uk for an informal chat.
In addition to the visitor welcome volunteers, the National Park in partnership with other organisations patrol that park to provide support to local communities and visitors.
The team provides a real time update on which areas of the park are busy and will divert potential visitors to the next suitable location. Please plan your visit in advance using www.saferlakes.co.uk
Photo shows two of the Lake District National Park’s new team of Visitor Welcome Volunteers at Glenridding.
