Conservation volunteers

The Peak Park Conservation Volunteers (PPCV) enables people of all ages and backgrounds to take part in conservation projects within the Peak District National Park.

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.

The PPCV work in partnership with Scout and Guide groups, learning support groups, youth service organisations and other community groups.

Projects

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.

Any individual volunteer, or groups with persons under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The adult must be prepared to act as a leader throughout the project and take responsibility for the group or individual’s actions.

Non-residential projects are available to individuals and groups and are run on the last Friday of the month and every Saturday and Sunday throughout the year.

• Meet the PPCV

Residential projects for groups

Groups can book residential projects based at our two accommodation centres, Brunt’s Barn near Grindleford and Marsh Farm near Leek, both during the week and at weekends.

Both centres have two dormitories. Brunt’s 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, suitable clothing and personal equipment.

• Brunt's Barn information
• Marsh Farm information

How to join the PPCV

Each applicant must complete a Consent form (31KB)

Post your completed consent form to:

Conservation Volunteers Officer
Peak District National Park Authority
Aldern House
Baslow Road
Bakewell DE45 1AE

Groups

The leader of a group will be responsible for ensuring that everyone in their group has completed and returned  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

Individuals
When you have returned the consent form phone 01629 816290 on the Thursday afternoon before your chosen work date to book on to the project for the Saturday, Sunday or last Friday of the month.

If you have any questions please contact Dave Cramp, Conservation Volunteers Officer on 01433 631433 or email dave.cramp@peakdistrict.gov.uk.

More information

• Visit PPCV on Facebook.
• Visit the PPCV blog at http://ppcv.wordpress.com
• Duke of Edinburgh Gold residential conservation project