Junior Rangers

Junior Rangers are young people aged 11 to 18 with an interest in the outdoor environment. They work alongside the National Park Rangers and the Engagement Team to help look after the Peak District National Park.

The Junior Ranger programme operates across Europe and our groups are affiliated to the Europarc Federation.

What do Junior Rangers do?

• Help Rangers look after the National Park
• Spend time in the outdoors doing practical tasks
• Have fun learning new skills with people your own age
• Help members of the public enjoy being in the National Park

Young people can join at any age but it is recommended that Junior Rangers continue with the programme for at least 2 years.

The programme is split into 6 areas and there are opportunities to gain qualifications in navigation, first aid and also the John Muir Award. Within the programme areas there are competencies listed at 3 different levels giving the young rangers the opportunity to work their way up through the programme, completing the 3 different levels as they get older and more experienced (if they wish).

The programme allows them to gain the experience required & qualifications where available, to become a volunteer ranger at the age of 17-18.

All Junior Rangers will be given a Record Book with an overview of the programme areas and pages to record their progress. You can take a look at the record book here: JR Record Book (2.8MB)

There is also a more in-depth look at the skills that will be covered, at all 3 levels: JR Programme Skill Levels (526KB)

The activities take place once a month, at the weekend for 3-4 hours. Exact days and times depend on which group you are a member of.

Here is a video made by the Millers Dale group of Junior Rangers:

Where do they work?

There are six Junior Ranger groups run by the Peak District National Park and three run by our partners. Not all of the groups are running as normal yet due to the ongoing COVID situation. If you are interested in getting involved please contact the Junior Ranger group and they'll be able to advise accordingly:

• Carsington Water (run by Derbyshire Wildlife Trust)
• Edale - currently full
• Longdendale (near Glossop)
• Marsh Farm (Tittesworth Reservoir)
• Millers Dale (near Bakewell and Buxton)
• Buxton

How will this help me for the future?

Junior rangers have the chance to explore the Peak District, working alongside adult rangers on practical tasks, whilst having fun and learning new skills with people of their own age. Their work includes patrolling our trails, taking part in events and helping members of the public. Skills learnt will include learning to lead others safely, talking to the public and working to balance the needs of conservation and recreation. These skills will benefit young people in any future employment including roles within tourism and education. The activities will particularly suit those with an interest in outdoor or practical jobs such as public services, outdoor instructors and any roles within conservation and land management.

Contact us for more information, stating which group(s) you are interested in.

We are also interested in hearing from those of you who would like to volunteer and help out with the Junior Ranger groups.

Who do I contact?

• Email: learning.discovery@peakdistrict.gov.uk
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/peakjuniorrangers
• Read the Junior Rangers newsletter