Ranger training
The ranger service provides a comprehensive training course that is open to people from the age of 18 who would like to become volunteer rangers.
How to apply
1. You can download an application pack to apply for training.
If you do not have a printer, you can request an application pack be sent to you:
- by emailing rangers@peakdistrict.gov.uk
- or calling 01629 816 290
2. If you are successful in your application, you will be invited to:
- attend four pre-visits at four different ranger briefing centres
- spend the day on patrol with one of our part-time rangers
This will help you discover if working with the rangers is right for you.
3. Once you have completed the four pre-visits, you will be invited for interview. We will discuss any questions or issues that arise from your pre-visits and you will be asked about your commitment to training.
4. If you are successful in your interview, you will be offered a place on the training course and issued with a logbook, which should be taken with you on each day’s patrol. A full-time ranger will be allocated to you as a mentor whilst you are training. They are the person to contact should you need advice. Your mentor will keep a record of your progress as you advance through your training.
Ranger briefing centres
- Brunts Barn, Grindleford, near Sheffield
- Derbyshire Bridge, Goyt Valley, near Buxton
- Dovestone, Greenfield, near Oldham
- Edale, High Peak
- Fairholmes, at Labybower Reservoir, Upper Derwent Valley
- Longdendale, near Glossop
- Hayfield, High Peak
- Langsett, near Penistone, Sheffield
- Marsh Farm, Meerbrook, near Leek
- Millers Dale, Wormhill, near Buxton
- Parsley Hay, near Buxton
- Stanage, near Hathersage
- Trentabank, Macclesfield Forest, near Sutton
Training course
Once you have been accepted on to the training course, you will undertake the following training.
- Ten visits to briefing centres
A minimum of ten visits must be completed before attending the training modules. These do not include the four pre-visits. - Training modules
These are to be completed over five weekends. - Further briefing centre visits
You can make as many visits as you would like to do until the final assessment. - First-aid qualification
The minimum qualification required is the one-day appointed persons course, which must be obtained before taking the final assessment. - Final assessment
Training modules
Weekend 1: residential course
Role of the Ranger and National Parks Module.
Weekend 2: field trip (north)
Single day looking at biodiversity in the Dark Peak.
Weekend 3: Residential course at Hagg Farm, a study centre on the Snake Pass.
Countryside safety and navigation module.
Weekend 4: field trip (south)
Single day looking at biodiversity in the White Peak.
Weekend 5: Navigation assessment
Single day assessment, including written paper and practical assessment.
Please note that there is a great demand for places on the residential element of the training course and you may have to wait for up to 12 months for a place to become available.
Hurray! I’ve passed. What happens now?
If you pass the final assessment, you will be invited to take up a part-time volunteer ranger post, if a position is available. You will be responsible for patrolling every other weekend from your base at one of our briefing centres.
If no part-time position is available, you will patrol as a qualified volunteer ranger from any of our briefing centres. Volunteer rangers need to patrol for a minimum of 20 days each year, for the first three years, for their accreditation to remain valid.