Who Are We?
We protect and care for places so people and nature can thrive. Many millions share the belief that nature, beauty and history are for everyone. So we look after the nation's coastline, historic sites, countryside and green spaces, ensuring everyone benefits.
The Role:
Volunteering as part of a team, Park Rangers love the countryside and being out in the fresh air managing our 720 acre habitat across the woodlands and stunning landscapes so nature and wildlife can thrive.
Please note: At this stage we are looking for an expression of interest in this role and would aim for interviews in late May 2026
What's involved?
- Working with the Senior Ranger and alongside other Volunteer Park Rangers to deliver habitat and heritage management work across the estate – including woodlands and forestry, meadows and grasslands
- Looking to gain experience, knowledge and skills with a view to possibly enter the professional countryside management sector or alternatively having a jolly good time with like mind professionals
- Estate maintenance work – including path creation and maintenance, maintenance and improvement of the historical landscape to include: scrub clearance, planting, fencing and repairs, ditch clearance, invasive species removal, safety inspections and keeping the site free from litter
- Develop your knowledge of the Petworth Park area, its wildlife, habitats, history, geology and archaeology
- Gain skills and experience using a wide range of tools and equipment as required to carry out practical tasks
- Assist the Senior Ranger in leading guided walks and events (as required)
- Taking part in estate patrols, engaging with visitors, sharing what you have learned about the estate to help bring it to life
- Becoming familiar and working within the National Trust Health and Safety procedures
- Helping to record our work and life on the estate as living history, engaging with visitors whilst sharing on our social media platforms
- There may be other tasks that are of interest to you that we could use your assistance
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We have traditionally four annual social events for the Gardens & Outdoors Volunteering Team being: Spring Tea Party, Summer BBQ, Autumn Curry, Christmas Party besides the several ongoing social events and trips planned by the events team for all Volunteers
What skills do I need?
- Interested in learning and engaging others about the history of Petworth, the ecology, conservation, and/or horticulture and gardening; and enjoy working as part of a team
- Are aged 18 or over
- Keen to work in the outdoors, whatever the weather
- Looking to gain experience, knowledge and skills with a view to enter the professional countryside management sector
- Reasonably fit and healthy – you don’t need to be a marathon runner, but you’ll do a lot of working and reasonably physical work
- Resourceful and adaptable – willing to work within a busy, responsive schedule as a team
- Keen to work with other people, including staff from within the Gardens & Park team and other volunteers
- Be part of a friendly and enthusiastic team, looking after some fantastic landscapes for future generations
- Work alongside passionate and experienced countryside management professionals, learning new skills along the way
- Use your passion for nature and the countryside to inspire others
- Join a friendly and varied team, making new friends along the way.