More than 700 people regularly volunteer their time for the North York Moors National Park.
To put that number into context, the National Park Authority has around 150 members of paid staff, and each year our volunteers contribute the equivalent of nearly an additional 40 full-time employees. National Park volunteers help us keep our rights of way in good order, survey ancient monuments, plant new woodlands, battle invasive species and work alongside our paid staff in our visitor centres, art gallery, car parks and offices. Much of what we do simply would not be possible without them.
National Park volunteers come from all walks of life. From retired people looking for a new challenge, to students and young people looking to widen their experience and aid their first step into work. Some come to us individually, others as a family or as part of an existing community group. What all our volunteers have in common is the wish to give their time, energy and skills to help the National Park Authority achieve its purposes of conserving the special qualities of the North York Moors and helping visitors to enjoy and experience all it has to offer.