Volunteer rangers sought to keep an eye on the Moors

The North York Moors National Park Authority wants to recruit up to 20 extra volunteer rangers to carry out a range of duties to help people enjoy the North York Moors.

The voluntary rangers help the authority look after 1,400 miles of footpaths and bridleways. By walking the routes, they can report back on issues such as fallen trees or overgrown vegetation and check that signs, gates and bridges are in good working order.

They act as the eyes and ears of the National Park providing help and advice to others out and about in the North York Moors and also get involved in guided walks.

Presently the authority has 166 voluntary rangers but is looking to increase the teams that cover the south and north of the national park in areas including Rosedale, the Esk Valley and the coastal parishes between Loftus and Scarborough. Duties are carried out on weekends and bank holidays with some optional mid-week work at the National Park’s mobile display units.

Husband and wife Paul and Denise Grantham, from Hull, have been patrolling the North York Moors for more than 40 years. Mr Grantham said: “Being voluntary rangers enables us to give a little back to the moors while sharing our passion for the place with others.”

Candidates must be over 18 and physically fit. Successful applicants will receive training including first aid. More information is available at www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/caring/volunteers.