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Volunteer opportunities on Marsden Moor

An apprentice ranger planting sphagnum moss plugs on Marsden Moor, West Yorkshire
Planting sphagnum moss plugs on Marsden Moor | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Volunteers play a vital role in supporting the small team on the Marsden Moor Estate. Learn about the volunteering roles available, from habitat conservation to leading guided walks across the moors, and find out how you can apply to join.

Ways to volunteer on Marsden Moor

Volunteers play a vital role in helping us to protect and conserve the special landscape on Marsden Moor. We're always looking for new faces to come and join us, and there's a variety of ways you can get involved.

Ranger volunteers

Every Tuesday and Thursday, the ranger volunteers work with staff to help us look after all aspects of Marsden Moor. The work includes:

  • Moorland conservation such as removing invasive species and planting moss
  • Helping with fence and stile repairs
  • Footpath maintenance

On a sunny day, there's nowhere better to enjoy a lunch break after a busy morning of physical work.

Ranger team leader volunteers

Our ranger team leaders help us manage some of our work on the moors, by leading other groups of volunteers. It's a great way to gain useful leadership experience in coservation and outdoor work. We are currently recruiting for ranger team leader volunteers.

'I started volunteering as a ranger team leader after I decided to switch careers and move into the countryside conservation sector. As well as day to day tasks, such as repairing leaky dams, path maintenance and litter picking, I also learnt about the behind the scenes work involved in project and conservation delivery. My time with the team at Marsden boosted my employability, and definitely played a big part in helping me secure my current role, working on a woodland project in the Derbyshire Dales.'

A quote by Owen Ranger Team Leader Volunteer
Two volunteers from the survey group at Marsden Moor stand side-by-side analysing a peat sample taking from the moor.
Survey group volunteers help us understand more about Marsden Moor. | © National Trust/Luke Watson

Survey group volunteers

Survey group volunteers meet regularly to survey and monitor the moorland. The research they do helps us to identify some of the most important ecological issues affecting Marsden Moor.

The survey group carries out tasks such as:

  • Monitoring plants and animals such as birds, butterflies and bats
  • Measuring peat depths to monitor this important resource
  • Collecting data for land management
  • Monitoring gates, fences and stiles to identify where work is needed

Watch a video of the survey volunteers working to measure peat depths.


‘After retiring I joined the ranger volunteers group. What a privilege it is to be saving the moorland landscape with like-minded colleagues from all walks of life.’

– Alan Schofield, volunteer on Marsden Moor

A group of walkers being led on a walk by a National Trust Ranger at Marsden Moor
Walk leaders host regular guided walks on the moor. | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Walk leader volunteers

Walk leaders run guided walks on Marsden Moor throughout the year, from short, family-friendly strolls to more challenging hikes. As a walk leader you have the chance to share your knowledge of the landscape with others.

Welcome volunteers

In the summer months, we need volunteers to help us in our information room and out on the moors, to share the knowledge of this wonderful place. You'll be greeting members of the public, helping them find walks on the moor, and teaching them about the countryside code.

Community fire watch volunteers

The community living near Marsden Moor is passionate about the uplands. Together, we're working hard to protect them from future fires with the community fire watch.

Spotting fires, barbecues or fireworks on the moors early is the best way to prevent a fire spreading. On sunny evenings and weekends, rangers and volunteers will target key areas where there is a known fire risk.

We're keen to support as many people as possible who want to be part of the community fire watch. Even if you can't do a regular day, you can still pledge a bank holiday or a weekend once a year.

Employer-supported volunteering

You can also arrange volunteering sessions on Marsden Moor with your work colleagues. Get your team away from the office and help us to look after this special place.

 

Why join us?

There are lots of reasons to join us; making the move to volunteer could be the best decision you ever make. 

  • Become part of a friendly and dedicated team 
  • Meet people from all walks of life and forge new friendships 
  • Utilise your existing skills and learn new ones 
  • Strengthen your CV and help to develop your career 
  • Enjoy the great outdoors 
  • Learn about the history of this special place.

 

Get in touch about volunteering on Marsden Moor

For more information about the different ways to volunteer on Marsden Moor, email the team at marsdenmoor@nationaltrust.org.uk or visit the National Trust volunteering website and search ‘Marsden Moor’ to find opportunities and to apply.

 

Thank you

Thank you to all our volunteers who give their time to support the National Trust in many different roles. 

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