Volunteer Park Rangers

For Petworth House & Park

Volunteering as part of a team, Park Rangers love the countryside and being out in the fresh air managing our 720 acre habitat across the woodlands and stunning landscapes so nature and wildlife can thrive

What's involved?

Working with the Senior Ranger and alongside other Volunteer Park Rangers to deliver habitat and heritage management work across the estate – including woodlands and forestry, meadows and grasslands
Looking to gain experience, knowledge and skills with a view to possibly enter the professional countryside management sector or alternatively having a jolly good time with like mind professionals
Estate maintenance work – including path creation and maintenance, maintenance and improvement of the historical landscape to include: scrub clearance, planting, fencing and repairs, ditch clearance, invasive species removal, safety inspections and keeping the site free from litter
Develop your knowledge of the Petworth Park area, its wildlife, habitats, history, geology and archaeology
Gain skills and experience using a wide range of tools and equipment as required to carry out practical tasks
Assist the Senior Ranger in leading guided walks and events (as required)
Taking part in estate patrols, engaging with visitors, sharing what you have learned about the estate to help bring it to life
Becoming familiar and working within the National Trust Health and Safety procedures
Helping to record our work and life on the estate as living history, engaging with visitors whilst sharing on our social media platforms
There may be other tasks that are of interest to you that we could use your assistance

Skills

Interested in learning and engaging others about the history of Petworth, the ecology, conservation, and/or horticulture and gardening; and enjoy working as part of a team
Are aged 18 or over
Keen to work in the outdoors, whatever the weather
Looking to gain experience, knowledge and skills with a view to enter the professional countryside management sector
Reasonably fit and healthy – you don’t need to be a marathon runner, but you’ll do a lot of working and reasonably physical work
Resourceful and adaptable – willing to work within a busy, responsive schedule as a team
Keen to work with other people, including staff from within the Gardens & Park team and other volunteers
Be part of a friendly and enthusiastic team, looking after some fantastic landscapes for future generations
Work alongside passionate and experienced countryside management professionals, learning new skills along the way
Use your passion for nature and the countryside to inspire others
Join a friendly and varied team, making new friends along the way.

About Petworth House & Park

A ‘house of art’ overflowing with paintings and sculpture, a glimpse of domestic life in the historic Servants’ Quarters and Pleasure Grounds full of wildflowers and parkland where deer roam wild; with room to breathe and views to inspire the soul there is no better place for you to volunteer your time.