Conservation Volunteers
The Peak Park Conservation Volunteers (PPCV) gives people of all ages and backgrounds the chance to take part in conservation projects within the Peak District National Park. The PPCV attracts a huge number of volunteers who complete over 3,000 project days per year!
The volunteers carry out a wide variety of projects that would not normally be done by the National Park's own staff, local craftspeople or outside contractors.
Projects
can include:
- footpath construction and repair
- stile, step and footbridge building
- fencing, walling, hedge laying and tree planting
- nature reserve management and habitat protection
- erosion control, drainage and pond clearance
Conservation projects offer groups and individuals the opportunity to experience the environment at first hand. We work in partnership with Scout and Guide groups, learning support groups, youth service organisations and other community groups.
Brunts Barn and Marsh Farm
Volunteers
operate from our two centres: Brunts
Barn near Grindleford and
Marsh Farm near Leek.
Brunts Barn information
Marsh
Farm information
Groups can book residential projects based at our centres, both during the week and at weekends. Both centres have two dormitories. Brunts Barn accommodates up to twelve people, Marsh Farm accommodates eight. Facilities include hot and cold water, toilets, showers and a fully equipped kitchen with pots, pans, cutlery, microwave, cooker and fridge. Volunteers only need to bring a sleeping bag, pillow, towel, tea towel and personal equipment.
Non-residential projects are available to individual volunteers on Saturday and Sunday.
Information for applicants
The type of conservation projects you will be involved in are of a practical nature and are seasonally dependant. A member of staff from the ranger service will lead the projects and they will guide you through all aspects of the day. This will include use of tools, site safety and teach you any new skills required to enable you to complete your project and to ensure that you have an enjoyable experience.
Although
conservation work is not in any way dangerous, there is always a slight
element of risk when working in an outdoor environment. To help reduce this risk to a minimum, please
co-operate at all times with the National Park staff and always wear suitable clothing and footwear.
Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. This applies to individual volunteers and groups. The adult must be prepared to act as a leader throughout the project and take responsibility for the group or individual’s actions.
How to join the PPCV
Download
a Consent Form (35KB) 
Send your completed consent form to:
Conservation
Volunteers Officer
Peak District National Park Authority
Aldern House
Baslow
Road
Bakewell
Derbyshire DE45 1AE
If you have any questions please contact Dave Cramp, Conservation Volunteers Officer on 01433 631433 or email: dave.cramp@peakdistrict.gov.uk
Individuals: When you have returned the consent form phone 01629 816290 on any Thursday afternoon to book on to a project for the coming weekend.
Groups: The leader of a group will be responsible for ensuring that everyone in their group has completed a Consent Form. If your group requires accommodation at either our Brunts Barn or Marsh Farm centre, please ring as soon as possible with your preferred dates as the accommodation centres are very busy. All group bookings are made by phoning Dave Cramp, Conservation Volunteers Officer on 01433 631433 or email: dave.cramp@peakdistrict.gov.uk
