Get involved

Volunteer Guided Walk Leaders

Are you interested in becoming a guided walk leader for the Lake District National Park Authority?

Would you like to help people understand and appreciate the Lake District National Park?

Do you have a broad knowledge of the Lake District and a passion for the area which you would like to share with others?

We run a comprehensive programme of events and guided walks throughout the year. We are currently recruiting for new guided walk leaders. We are looking for up to 15 people to join our established team of volunteers to lead a range of guided walks for the public.

The walks vary from low level valley walks to high level classic routes. We are particularly keen to hear from people who would enjoy leading the less challenging routes. It’s a great way to learn more about the National Park, meet other people, get some experience for WGL (walking group leader) and ML (Mountain leader) logbooks, and support the National Park in a high profile role.

In return for a minimum commitment of 10 days per year, for three years we  offer a comprehensive programme of induction, training and mentoring which includes:

• Navigation training
• Group Management training
• First Aid training
• Introduction to the National Park and other in-house training

We will also pay volunteers reasonable out of pocket expenses.

Experience of leading walks is desirable but not essential, but a friendly, confident and professional manner and the knowledge and skills to deliver guided walks which are welcoming to a wide range of people are vital.

Key dates

Closing date to register your interest is Friday 9 March 2012

Final selection event Saturday 17 March or Tuesday 20 March 2012

More information

If you would like to find out more about the role, or have any questions please contact Annie Duckworth Volunteer recruitment coordinator on 01539 792891 or email annie.duckworth@lakedistrict.gov.uk

Alternatively you can write to the Authority at our offices in Kendal:
Lake District National Park Authority
Murley Moss
Oxenholme Road
Kendal LA9 7RL

Volunteer assistants for school visits to Brockhole

We're looking for volunteers to support our learning coordinator at Brockhole - The Lake District Visitor Centre – meeting and greeting groups, helping them get the most out of their visit.

We are looking for people who are excellent communicators, enjoy working with children, have a good local knowledge and broad understanding of the National Park Authority.

As a “Volunteer Schools Liaison officer” you will be the first point of contact to groups arriving at Brockhole. Your role will involve:

• running short welcome briefing sessions
• ensuring that teachers and group leaders are happy with the arrangements for their visit
• assisting with educational resource preparation such as displays and trails
• optional - leading or assisting with onsite environmental education sessions such as pond dipping and guided trails around the grounds

We are looking for up to 8 people who can commit to a minimum of 10 duties a year – mainly weekdays during term time. The majority of duties will be required between Easter and the end of October each year.

The role is open to anyone, no experience is necessary, - good communication skills and a professional, friendly manner are the most important elements of this role. It will particularly suit someone who is confident with large groups and is prepared to be an ambassador for the National Park Authority. It’s a great way to learn more about the National Park, meet other people, get some experience for working in the countryside and support the National Park in an enjoyable and high profile role.

In addition to training and supporting you, so you can do your tasks effectively with confidence and in a safe way, we will cover any out of pocket expenses.

Need more information?

Please contact Annie Duckworth, Volunteer recruitment coordinator, on 01539 792891 or emailannieduckworth@lakedistrict.gov.uk

Closing date

Before 23 February 2012

Fix the Fells volunteering support coordinator

The Fix the Fells Partnership repairs and maintains Lake District paths which give us access to our stunning mountains and uplands throughout the National Park. Volunteer Fix the Fells lengthsmen help look after these paths and now we need some help supporting them, to look after the Lake District landscape.

We are looking for a volunteering support coordinator whose role will be to recruit volunteers and support mentors. This will suit people who enjoy helping others or want some experience in volunteer recruitment and support. The role is based in Kendal, for 10 hours a week, between now and May 2012.

Anyone is welcome to get in touch and find out more by contacting Tim Duckmanton, Volunteer Coordinator on 01539 792674 or by email tim.duckmanton@lakedistrict.gov.uk

For more information

For an informal chat about this role call or email Tim Duckmanton on 01539 792674tim.duckmanton@lakedistrict.gov.uk