Northamptonshire County Council

Page last updated 13 December 2011
Team of volunteers in Sywell Country Park butterfly garden 

Volunteering in Country Parks

We manage the Country Parks for the benefit of both wildlife and people. The Rangers actively encourage people to volunteer and work with us to develop and enhance the country parks.

If you would like to get fit, help local wildlife, learn a new skill and maybe make some new friends, why not contact us to discuss what opportunities are available. It’s up to you how much, or how little, you wish to be involved.

What’s in it for me?

  • Fresh air
  • Exercise
  • Make new friends
  • Fun
  • Learn new skills
  • Satisfaction of a job well done
  • Help improve the environment
  • Learn more about ecology and conservation

How fit do I need to be?

  • Tasks are taken at your own pace and there are plenty of opportunities for refreshments.
  • However, if you are unsure and wish to further discuss what is involved, please get in touch and we can give you more information.

What kind of things will I do?

  • The types of work undertaken are extremely varied but conservation work such as tree planting, hedge-laying and access improvements are popular.
  • Some people get involved in the day to day management of a country park, others in Friends of Parks groups, or specific projects;

What do I bring?

  • Clothes you don't mind getting dirty!
  • Strong footwear or wellies – steel toe caps are ideal
  • Warm clothes (lots of layers)
  • Waterproofs
  • Packed lunch (for all day tasks)
  • Gloves (if possible)
  • Hats (for shade in hot weather)

What is provided?

  • Instruction on how to use tools safely
  • Tools and equipment
  • The reasons behind the task and how it will benefit the habitat and the wildlife that lives in it
  • Refreshments - hot drinks and maybe even the odd biscuit or two
  • Any specialist Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) relevant to the task

How do I get involved?

New volunteers are welcome at anytime - provided the Rangers are available to supervise - please get in touch to discuss your interest. 

You can either contact a park and speak to a Ranger directly or email countryside@northamptonshire.gov.uk

Barnwell Country Park 01832 273435
Brixworth Country Park 01604 833920
Fermyn Woods Country Park 01536 373625  
Irchester Country Park 01933 276866
Sywell Country Park 01604 810970

If you would like to be added to our country parks database and be sent email notifications of forthcoming volunteering activities and other park information, please email countryside@northamptonshire.gov.uk

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© 2012 Northamptonshire County Council