Important notice: This is an archived version of the Peak District National Park Authority's website. It was last updated on 2 August 2011. The current version can be found at www.peakdistrict.gov.uk. This old version of the website will remain available until all content and functionality has been transferred across to the new website, after which it will be switched off.

Visitor resting at the top of Stanage Edge in the Peak District

Learning About

The Learning and Discovery Team will continue to provide high quality education services after the closure of Losehill. Contact Sarah Wilks on 01433 620373.

  • Education Services
    Student and teacher resources and our environmental education centres
  • Guided Walks and Events
    Free guided walks suitable for all and other events all year round
  • Education factsheets
    Curriculum-linked factsheets and resources for students and teachers

Youth Ranger programme

Youth Ranger logo

The Youth Ranger Programme aims to promote understanding of the role and work of the Peak District National Park Authority rangers.

The aims of the Programme:

  • to provide opportunities for students to gain practical experience in conservation and recreation management
  • to make new friends
  • to gain an accredited qualification.

Activities include:

  • Compass
    navigation
  • survival skills
  • interpreting and studying the landscape
  • practical conservation tasks such as habitat restoration.

The activities are run throughout the National Park through a number of accredited modules leading to an award.

For an individual student the Youth Ranger programme offers 6 credits (60 hours) towards a full 12 credit GCSE qualification. The programme focuses on helping students develop Certificate of Personal Effectiveness skills (COPE).

To gain an award students must work with an experienced ranger, environmentalist, teacher or youth worker appropriate to the activities, show enthusiasm, commitment and involvement towards the award, complete a portfolio and the required credits, and comply with health and safety procedures.

The portfolio provides a record of the student’s achievements and experiences and can count towards an ASDAN (Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network) award.

ASDAN is a Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) approved awarding body offering a number of programmes and qualifications to recognise and develop personal and social development skills which can contribute considerably to a person’s employability. For more details see the ASDAN website.

Find out more about becoming a Youth Ranger