29 July 2021
From replacing gates, installing fingerposts and building bridges, I've spent my summer being #LakeDistrictKind by volunteering with the Lake District National Park Authority’s ranger team! My time with the team has not only given me valuable experience and skills, but has opened my eyes and made me much more eager and determined to get into this line of work in the future, to help look after this spectacular place.
Hello, my name is Jed Porter, I’m 16 years old and I’m currently volunteering with the Ranger team based in Ambleside. To celebrate World Ranger Day (31 July), I've shared my story of my time with the team volunteering, take a read below.
In my first week, the team and I replaced some deer gates which had been funded by the Friends of the Lake District at High Borrowdale. I was taught how to measure up for replacing the hanging stoops and how to position the placements of the hanging fixings so that the gate closed safely and correctly.
We then repaired another deer gate further down the track which was in need of a new dropper bolt so that it didn’t become loose and smash in the wind. This was a very fun learning experience for me as it taught me how to install and refurbish Rights of Way furniture to improve access for both the landowners and the public.
Another skill that I have learned during my time volunteering is the art of bridge building. I was amazed at how much work goes into building a bridge.
We made a short, decked footbridge that we recently installed at White Moss in Rydal. This carries an ‘Access for All’, Miles without Stiles route through to Grasmere. I learnt about the process of getting everything on site and how to level up abutment walls before lifting the bridge into place.
We also made three more bridges in the depot, we’ll be installing these over the next few weeks at Easedale in Grasmere, Beckside at Crook and Low Wood near to High Close in Langdale.
I have learnt lots of new skills and interesting tips about how to build a bridge like measuring and working out the spaces for the uprights, marking, cutting and drilling accurately using power tools and attaching rails and handrails evenly.
As well as bridges, we have installed several fingerposts around the Lakes parish, this has helped improve my skills using digging equipment and I’ve learnt how to fix and secure posts in the ground using traditional methods.
The rangers have made me feel very welcome and we have had lots of fun whilst working on a variety of different projects. They have taught me lots of interesting facts about the work that goes on, in and around the National Park and just how much work goes into maintaining such an amazing area.
Guest Blogger
Lake District National Park Authority volunteer
