Dartmoor Youth Rangers

Do you love the great outdoors? Fancy doing something a bit different?

Become a Youth Ranger! (aged 12-17 years)

Dartmoor National Park established the Youth Ranger Programme in 2015. It offers people between the ages of 12-17 a chance to develop a deeper understanding and passion for Dartmoor, as well as developing practical and personal skills.

This exciting programme offers you an enjoyable way to become ambassadors for Dartmoor’s very special qualities. There are tons of opportunities for learning, meeting like-minded people and having loads of outdoor fun.

What do we do?

We use lots of different tools and carry out a whole range of practical site maintenance, conservation, and archaeological preservation projects, in all weathers, at different places all over Dartmoor.

For some tasks we work alongside Dartmoor National Park Rangers, however we also work with other Dartmoor charities and volunteers.

Watch us in action! This short film, created by Youth Ranger Angus, shows what the group got up to in 2019.

How to join

If you are interested in joining, please email Community Engagement Ranger Kats at kkostershadbolt@dartmoor.gov.uk for more information.

What you get

You mean, in addition to exploring new places, learning new skills, meeting new people, and lots of hot chocolate and cake?

You also get the opportunity to work towards the nationally recognised John Muir Award. Each award contains four challenges: Discover, Explore, Conserve and Share.

There are 3 different award levels

Discovery Award – 4 days/25+ hours minimum time commitment
Explorer Award – 8 days/50+ hours
Conserver Award – 20 days/125+ hours across at least six months

These awards can help build a portfolio of achievement if you are interested in a career in countryside management. They can also be used in applications for jobs or college/university to demonstrate motivation, commitment, and personal development – giving you something different to talk about!

Awards

Dartmoor National Park’s Youth Rangers won the Dartmoor Preservation Association shield in 2017 and in 2018 won the prestigious UK National Parks Volunteer ‘Group’ Award.