The charity that runs Greenwich Park is looking for 30 people to become volunteer rangers, helping visitors get the most out of the 500-year-old open space.
Royal Parks has issued the call for volunteers as part of its Greenwich Park Revealed project, which includes revamping areas of the park and recreating giant grass steps on the hill below the Wolfe memorial.
Much of the £8 million scheme was approved last year, although proposals have been trimmed back because of the coronavirus project and new plans for a visitor centre and learning centre have been submitted to Greenwich Council.
Royal Parks says the project will “restore, protect, share and reveal the park’s rich heritage and wildlife, putting locals at the heart”.
The volunteer rangers will be given orange uniforms and will encourage visitors to explore the park by directing them to discover its wildlife and heritage.
Jo Haywood, the park’s volunteer ranger co-ordinator, said: “All eight Royal Parks are historic, but Greenwich’s history is unrivalled. It was the birthplace of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, is the site of two ancient monuments; a Romano-Celtic temple and an Anglo-Saxon Barrow cemetery and stunning formal gardens.
“The rangers will help bring this history to life and encourage visitors to explore beyond the General Wolfe statue, a hot spot in the park due to its perfect vantage point of the London skyline.”
Cindy Sheehan, who already volunteers as a ranger, said: “Greenwich Park has been my local park for the past 25 years. It doesn’t matter how many times you visit it – you see something different every day. What’s surprised me most about being a Volunteer Ranger is how much you learn, whether that’s from staff, other rangers or visitors themselves. If you love history, wildlife and being outdoors then this will be perfect for you.”
Volunteer rangers are asked to commit to a minimum of two, two-hour sessions per month. These can be on the same day or spread across the weeks. Anyone interested can find out more at www.royalparks.org.uk/rangers, with applications closing on 4 May.
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