Assisting our rangers and wardens, often on a one-to-one basis, you will help to look after our countryside sites, trails, facilities and public rights of way.
Depending on your interests and the needs of the site, you will be involved in a wide range of countryside management activities including:
- estate management tasks such as maintenance and replacement of seats, signage and fencing, inspection and clearance of drainage
- conservation management with hand-tools, for example tree planting, woodland thinning, reed pulling, meadow management
- site litter control
- public rights of way inspection, maintenance and improvement, for example installing gates, stiles and waymark posts
- assisting with emergency works such as fallen trees, woodland and grassland fires, pollution control
You'd be volunteering with one of our site teams, depending on the availability of opportunity and convenience for you. Teams are based at Clay Cross, Tapton Lock, Hayfield, Middleton Top, Shipley Country Park and Elvaston Castle Country Park.
You'd volunteer on weekdays and/or weekends, typically between 9.30am and 4.30pm, but exact times vary between sites.
Volunteers are covered by our public liability and personal accident insurances.
We'll ask you to abide by our volunteer agreement, which sets out the standards and support you can expect from us and what we ask of you in return.
Guidance in techniques and safe use of any tools will be given by our experienced staff.
Personal protective equipment, such as gloves and hard hats, will be provided as required.
You'll need sturdy footwear with good grip such as walking boots. Some tasks may require safety footwear. You'll be told when this is the case and 'pool' safety boots may be available.
Wear clothes that you don't mind getting dirty. Overalls can be provided.
Bring a packed lunch.
Who we're looking for
We are looking for someone with enthusiasm for the countryside, who is reasonably fit and willing to be outdoors in all weathers throughout the year.
You'll be punctual and reliable, and enjoy being part of a team.
You'll be willing to follow our policies and procedures on health and safety, equality and diversity, data protection and environmental management.
What you could get out of it
You could:
- meet new people
- share existing skills and developing new skills
- get valuable experience for a career change
- get a sense of satisfaction and of 'giving something back'
- improve your health and fitness
Find out more
Contact the countryside service, email countrysideservice@derbyshire.gov.uk or telephone: 01629 533302.
Or you can talk to staff at your preferred site.