Current volunteering opportunities
Come and volunteer for our Ryevitalise team!
Take a look at our current project volunteering opportunities.
We are currently in a phased return to volunteering, adhering to Government guidance for the Covid-19 pandemic.
To discuss any of our current opportunities below, please email: volunteers@northyorkmoors.org.uk
Land of Iron - Historic Environment Surveyor, Summer 2020
The Land of Iron project has already provided vital information for the understanding of industrial activity across the North York Moors during the 19th and early 20th century, primarily through excavation and conservation of standing remains. However, digging up the past can also be done without a spade!
Through summer 2020 we are looking to carry out a program of investigation, survey and recording of specific sites to further enhance the knowledge already gained. The Esk Valley and Rosedale will provide the backdrop for work on both transportation and domestic lives. The areas of the navvy camp at Green Head Brow on the Rosedale East branch line along with the demolished cottages of New Row in Blue Ber wood at Beckhole will be investigated on the domestic front, with Esk Valley mine and North Bridge on the Rail Trail providing a look at the transportation side.
No previous knowledge or experience of either land surveying or archaeological recording is required. Andy Abson, an experienced archaeologist and surveyor will lead the sessions and provide training in all basic techniques, tips and tricks for measuring, positioning and being inquisitive. If your interest in these ‘dark arts’ grows then opportunities to use more advanced kit such as the total station will be there; just bring a sense of humour and a lot of tea! The overriding idea is to create an activity that involves everyone from diggers (although not this time, sorry) to armchair historians and provide basic skills and knowledge that could possibly be used throughout investigations across the National Park and beyond.
Equipment will be regularly sterilised and if possible issued individually for the day’s work. All activities will be strictly within the North York Moors National Park Authority’s latest guidance on volunteering during the covid-19 pandemic, which may involve changes at short notice. It is anticipated that group sizes will be between 1 and 3 volunteers, plus Andy as Task Leader.
The programme will run from July to September 2020 at various sites and times, depending on demand.