Voluntary rangers needed for the Broads and Whitlingham Country Park
Open day: Saturday 22 July 9.30am Whitlingham Visitor Centre
Do you secretly hanker after an outdoor job caring for the countryside?
The Broads Authority is expanding its assistant countryside ranger team to include new volunteers for both Whitlingham Country Park on the outskirts of Norwich and the wider Broads.
We are holding a Volunteer Information Day on Saturday 22 July from 9.30am to 1.00pm at Whitlingham Visitor Centre for everyone who is interested in applying.
The informal morning will involve meeting some of the full-time rangers, existing volunteers, hearing about the work and training and exploring the country park.
Whitlingham Country Park, which has two broads, a beach, meadows and woodland, is managed by Whitlingham Charitable Trust.
Voluntary ranger tasks include practical countryside management such as coppicing and meadow management, assisting with events, guided walks and environmental education activities. The Authority is looking for people who can be available at weekends or during the week and can commit to two volunteer days a month. Full training and uniform will be provided.
Applicants will be given formal interviews and, if successful, they will begin a six session training programme. This will include health and safety, dealing with the public, using brush cutters, conservation, basic ecology and installing countryside furniture.
Whitlingham Country Park manager Russell Wilson said: ”Volunteering for both Whitlingham Country Park and the wider Broads Authority will appeal to outgoing, nature loving, sociable people who love the outdoors and physical exercise. It is a wonderful opportunity to spend useful time outside in a beautiful part of the world, putting something back and getting to know new people. Our volunteers are a very highly valued team as they enable us to achieve far more than we would otherwise.”
Assistant countryside rangers (ACRs) must be over 18 years, physically fit and have a driving licence. There are currently 45 ACRs in the Broads Authority who are of all ages and come from all walks of life.
11/07/2006
