Ready to grow your nature skills and confidence and explore a future in the different roles in the environment sector?
If you’re curious about the natural world, want to feel more confident outdoors, explore environmental career opportunities, and are excited to learn practical skills while making friends and having fun, our FREE Dales Young Rangers programme could be perfect for you.
Open to young people aged 13 (Year 9) to 17 years old, the programme offers hands-on experience in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales National Park. You’ll try real conservation tasks, discover different roles in the environmental sector and build confidence that comes from working as part of a supportive team.
We particularly welcome applications from young people who are new to outdoor activities, and/or from communities underserved in the National Park, including young people with disabilities, mental or physical health conditions, from ethnically and culturally diverse backgrounds, or living in socio-economic disadvantage.
If you are already volunteering or involved in outdoor activities, you might already have the experience that Dales Young Rangers is designed to help young people discover. If so, this programme might not be the right match for you.
How do I join in?
Applications are now closed. If you are interested in becoming a Dales Young Ranger, please email samantha.lightbody@yorkshiredales.org.uk
What do Dales Young Rangers get up to ?
Young Rangers take part in a wide range of activities which fit within these five areas;
- Discover: Uncover the Yorkshire Dales rich history and important habitats. This could include visiting mines and quarries and learning how the landscape has been shaped over time. It could also include exploring and learning about habitats, key species and ecosystems within the Yorkshire Dales National Park and why these are important.
- Explore: Explore how being outside can have a positive impact on your health and wellbeing. You might explore the Dales by bike, take part in nature connection activities, or simply enjoy being out in the amazing landscape.
- Collaborate: Work as a team – not just with other Young Rangers, but also with partner organisations across the National Park. It’s all about teamwork, communication and getting things done together.
- Champion: Promote responsible recreation in the Yorkshire Dales. This could be learning outdoor safety from the the Fell Rescue teams or working with the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority Ranger team to improve rights of way so everyone can enjoy the outdoors responsibly.
- Conserve: Help care for the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Activities might include peat bog monitoring, tree planting, habitat monitoring or other conservation tasks that make a real difference.
Most of our activities take place outdoors although we may sometimes meet indoors for training or social events.
Is there a minimum commitment?
By joining the Dales Young Rangers, you agree to attend a minimum of five sessions over the course of a year. Or of course you can let us know at any point in the programme if you wish to no longer continue.
Is there an award I can work towards?
Yes! We are excited to introduce the ‘Dales Young Ranger’ Award. We know that for some Young Rangers simply taking part is enough, so this award is completely optional. There is no pressure, but it can be a great way to demonstrate the skills you have developed over the sessions when applying for future opportunities.
Each Young Ranger will receive a logbook. After each session attended you will be encouraged to reflect on the day, record the activity you took part in and the skills gained. This means that, if you decided later on you would like to complete the award, much of the work will already be done.
The award has three levels you can work towards:
Pen-y-ghent Award
What you need to do:
- Come to 5 sessions
- Take part in one session in each of the 5 areas
- Show that you are growing in knowledge, skills and confidence throughout the programme.
Ingleborough Award
What you need to do:
- Come to 10 sessions
- Take part in two sessions in each of the five areas
- Keep building your knowledge, skills and confidence throughout the programme.
- Perfect if you want to push yourself a little bit further
Whernside Award
Minimum Requirements:
- Complete the Ingleborough award
- Come to 15 sessions.
When do sessions take place?
Sessions run once a month, usually the fourth Saturday from 10.30am to 2.30pm. Dates will be communicated to you in advance and may occasionally change.
The first session is Saturday 25 April 2026. We expect all our Dales Young Rangers to attend as this is a great opportunity to meet your fellow Young Rangers!
What if I can’t attend every session?
The Young Rangers programme is rolling and flexible. We just ask that you attend at least five sessions over a 12 month period. Please confirm your availability at least five days before each session. If you can’t make it, let us know as soon as possible so we can offer the spot to another Young Ranger.
And if you decide the programme isn’t for you anymore, that’s okay too, just give us a quick heads-up so someone else can enjoy the opportunity.
Attendance will be reviewed every three months, and if it appears that you are no longer actively participating, your place may be offered to another applicant.
After completing ten sessions, we will discuss next steps and future opportunities with you.
Can I apply if I am working towards my Duke of Edinburgh?
Yes, but spaces are limited, and we ask you to attend at least five sessions. Young Ranger activities may count towards your Duke Of Edinburgh Award Skills/Volunteering/Physical sections, but please check with your DofE Leader before registering.
Where are the Dales Young Rangers Days?
Activities will take place across the Yorkshire Dales National Park, so travel distances may vary. This helps you experience different landscapes, communities and conservation tasks.
You’ll need to make your own way to sessions. Parents/carers can apply for mileage support for this and a Yorkshire Dales National Park parking permit.
Will I be outside in all weathers?
Yes! We will experience the Yorkshire Dales throughout the seasons, which will mean sometimes we experience the four seasons in one day! Activities will be cancelled if conditions are unsafe.
Who leads the group?
The activity days are led by our Green Pathways Officer and supported by our wonderful volunteer leaders. Practical sessions may be supervised by our Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority Rangers or qualified specialists.
All leaders have experience in working with young people and are fully trained in First Aid and Risk Management, and have enhanced DBS checks. Young people do not need to be accompanied.
What equipment will I need?
You will need warm and waterproof clothing, which you don’t mind getting dirty, and suitable footwear such as walking boots and/or wellies. Bring gloves, a hat, sun cream and a rucksack with your lunch (no nuts). Some tasks may require specialist equipment such as steel toed boots, which we will provide.
We don’t want not having the correct kit to be a barrier to you joining us in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. We have spare waterproofs and walking boots you can use, just let us know.
Can I vape in sessions?
No – vaping is not permitted at anytime.
What experience do I need?
None. Sessions can be strenuous and tiring, but they’re always fun!
Any questions please email;
learning@yorkshiredales.org.uk