Peak Park Rangers Endangered Species

The Peak District National Park is running out of Rangers, who are being poached by gangs of millionaire hunters from Taipei.

Okay, we made the last bit up, but the Peak Park, which celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year, really is appealing for more voluntary rangers to help visitors to appreciate the countryside and protect the National Park. Tasks include tree planting, bridge building, constructing ponds and removing rubbish from inaccessible places. Their local knowledge and expertise are vital in Search and Rescue and other emergencies.

Of course, as we all know, the real purpose of being a ranger is to be able to wander round looking cool with a whopping great arial sticking out of your pack and asking worried looking hikers in jeans whether they're worried or not. It isn't all fun and games though, just four weeks ago, a certain redhead, who shall remain nameless, flung herself off her mountain bike right in front of a Peak ranger at about five in the afternoon.

Said bloke turned to me, sighed, and said 'Oh no, not at this time. You wouldn't believe the paperwork when someone gets hurts...'

If you want to a Peak District Park Ranger, you must be 18 or over, physically fit and able to attend weekend training sessions on the role of the ranger, countryside safety and communications, national parks, and navigation skills.

If you're interested just call the Ranger Service on 01629 815185.

Peak District National Park web site