Youth Rangers

The aim of our Youth Rangers group at Gatwick Greenspace Partnership is to offer regular volunteer opportunities for young people interested in gaining practical experience of countryside work and wildlife conservation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is it for?

This group is for 16 – 25yr olds and it is open to all. No previous experience necessary, but an interest in wildlife and willingness to learn is welcomed.

What do Youth Rangers do?

We provide a broad range of activities and conservation tasks to get involved with, including: identification, surveying and monitoring of wildlife; habitat management such as coppicing, scrub clearance, hedgerow planting; wildlife gardening; safe use and maintenance of hand tools; basic green wood working.

Where do we meet?

Gatwick Greenspace Partnership is based at Tilgate Park, Crawley, and approx. two thirds of our sessions will be based here. However, sessions will be planned for other sites in the Gatwick Greenspace Partnership project area, to provide experience of different green spaces and the management issues that affect them. When at Tilgate Park, please meet outside the Gatwick Greenspace Partnership office.

When do we meet?

The group meets twice a month on a Wednesday during school term time. Specific dates will be provided by the leader on request. Sessions run from 10.00 – 14.00.

How do I find out about sessions?

Please contact Tamara Jewell, the community project officer who leads this group (see details below). Once you have registered as a Youth Ranger, you will receive emails with details of the sessions.

How do I join?

Please call Tamara for a chat about your interest in joining. To register, you will need to provide us with your contact details and complete a Volunteer Emergency Contacts form on the first session. You can attend as many sessions as you like.

What’s in it for me?

Valuable experience gained with an established countryside management organisation that can support studies or improve employment prospects. An opportunity to meet young people with similar interests. When funding allows, specific short training courses will be identified and offered to appropriate candidates. 

What do I need to bring?

Nearly all our sessions are outdoors, so you are advised to come prepared with appropriate outdoor clothing (incl waterproofs if there is a chance of rain) and suitable footwear (wellies, walking boots, site boots). We will provide protective clothing as necessary. You will need to bring a packed lunch and water bottle. A camera, notebook and pencil can be a useful way of recording your learning and achievements.

How do I get there?

Tilgate Park is owned by our partner Crawley Borough Council can be readily accessed by car and public transport. For directions go to http://www.crawley.gov.uk/pw/Leisure_and_Culture/Tilgate_Park/INT096524 .

The GGP office is located in Craft Hut 7 which is at the end of the row in between the Nature Centre and the Walled Garden. Access arrangements to other sites we work on will be discussed in advance.

Can I claim travel expenses?

We are able to reimburse travel expenses claims. Please speak to project officer.

Is there are Youth Ranger group closer to where I live?

Sussex Wildlife Trust run another Youth Ranger group based in Deneway Nature Reserve, Brighton.

Contact

Tamara Jewell

Community Project Officer

Email: [email protected]

Address: Gatwick Greenspace Partnership

Unit 7, Tilgate Park, Crawley RH10 5PQ

To find out more about Gatwick Greenspace Partnership visit www.gatwickgreenspace.org.uk or find us on Facebook