Last year a popular footpath along the river Usk in the Brecon Beacons reopened, much to the delight of local people. But, rather than park rangers, the muddy, unusable trail had been renovated by a small army of retired Gurkhas, part of the 300-strong Nepalese community that live in the area.
The Gurkha Company (Mandalay) has been stationed at Brecon’s Dering Lines base since 1974 and the Gurkhas were made honorary citizens of the town in 1985. “We were looking for a local project that veteran Gurkha soldiers could get their teeth into,” explains the group’s coordinator, retired army major Guptaman Gurung. “We also wanted to thank the local people for the magnificent support they gave when an earthquake hit Nepal in 2015, which affected lots of our families.”
Over several months, volunteers built bridges and re-laid the trail, with the newly dubbed Gurkha path winning the group category in the volunteer awards. “Volunteering builds team spirit,” says Gurung. “You get a sense of pride in doing something for the community.”
The Loch Lomond volunteer ranger
James Gillies, 52, from Glasgow, agrees: “I wanted to give something back. Volunteering is a great way for me to put all that knowledge about the countryside I’ve picked up over the years to good use.” Gillies volunteers as a ranger in the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs national park, maintaining upland hill paths and working in the park’s visitor centre. The keen walker has also become an Adopt a Path volunteer, surveying a trail at Beinn Ime mountain in the Arrochar Alps twice a year, with his reports informing the park’s maintenance work.
For Gillies, nominated in the individual category at this year’s awards, volunteering has offered a lifeline during a spell out of work. “It keeps me busy and shows potential employers that I’ve not just sat around doing nothing. Working in visitor centres has made me much more confident talking to people, too.”
Although Gillies concedes that volunteering is traditionally seen as something for older people, he adds: “There are more young people joining as volunteer rangers – the average age is definitely coming down.”
Youth projects in Pembrokeshire
This is certainly true in Pembrokeshire, where the national park’s youth rangers (award winners in 2015) are helping to inspire local people. The group is open to 18- to 25-year-olds, and members regularly take part in conservation work, as well as running childrens’ activities and talking to the public about the park. “Taking part gives the young people a greater sense of community and pride in the national park and where they live,” says coordinator Tom Moses.
Cat Edwards, 25, from Goodwick, says: “It’s fun, and a great opportunity to get outside and see new places in our national park.” Arianne Arnold, 18, from Broad Haven, loves the way it helps her discover new places in Pembrokeshire. “Going out is a release from life’s pressures – everyone needs some nature therapy!”
Family caretakers of the North York Moors
Helping people enjoy the great outdoors is also part of the Cleveland Way Adoption Scheme, run by the North York Moors national park. Launched in 2014, families and groups sign up to look after a section of the 109-mile trail, committing to patrol it at least three times a year.
Tracy Price, 38, a town planner from Borrowby, near Thirsk, and her family have adopted a three-mile stretch of the path. “We check for litter, clear out drainage channels and make sure there are no boggy bits along the footpath. We also clear overhanging vegetation and make sure all the stiles and signposts are OK,” she says. “My five-year-old daughter loves getting involved,” Price adds. “It’s really good for all the family.”
The scheme, among the nominees for this year’s project award, has proved so popular that all 25 sections of the path have been adopted, with families joined by cub and beaver groups, as well as local running clubs.
Price has asked friends to join the next patrol. “They’re excited about it. A lot of people, even though they live locally, don’t use the Cleveland Way for walking and biking, so it’s something new for them as well.”
Winners of the 2017 National Parks UK volunteer awards will be announced on Friday 17 November on the Columbia stand at the Kendal Mountain Festival.
Volunteering: how to get started
Each national park lists volunteering options on its website, with roles ranging from practical work to more ambassadorial roles in visitor centres and promotion at events and festivals.
Volunteers can also be called on to carry out wildlife surveys, lead guided walks and work with schools on educational visits. Most parks run volunteer ranger programmes too, with the opportunity to work with full-time rangers.
Last year, nearly 5,000 people volunteered across the UK’s 15 national parks. “Volunteering is an important part of stewarding national parks for future generations,” says Kathryn Cook, National Parks UK director, “and it’s about so much more than clearing litter.”
Get in gear for volunteering
Men’s Mission Air Interchange jacket
A three-in-one, fully waterproof/breathable Columbia jacket with fleece lining, this has a zip-in and three-point interchange system, giving you complete control, whatever the conditions.
Men’s and women’s Pouring Adventure II jacket
For insurance against a sudden downpour when you’re out hiking or enjoying outdoor sports or activities. So easily packable that it fits into a hand pocket, it has breathable fabric that will keep you protected.
Kids’ Powder Lite puffer jacket
This lightweight faux-down padded jacket comes in various colour options and uses water-repellent Omni-shield technology to keep you dry.
All products available at gooutdoors.com/columbia
Columbia Sportswear, in partnership with UK national parks
