In 2009 the Gateshead Volunteer Countryside Rangers were given the prestigious Investors in Volunteers award. So what makes being a Gateshead Volunteer Countryside Ranger so special?
As a Gateshead Volunteer Countryside Ranger you can do something practical and rewarding to;
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Improve your local environment and the quality of life of people in Gateshead,
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Learn more about wildlife and how to conserve it,
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Work outside learning new conservation skills,
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Have fun mixing with a wide range of people who care about the environment!
Countryside Volunteers get involved in a wide range of activities including;
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Practical tasks – This is the largest part of being a volunteer and includes tasks such as planting trees, coppicing or building footpaths.
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Public events – For those who are interested you can also help with guided walks, family events and open days.
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Wildlife surveys – You may also have the chance to take part in wildlife surveys of wild animals and wildflowers.
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Training – No previous experience is necessary as we offer full, free training in conservation skills and wildlife identification both off and on-site.
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Social – We hold regular social events like ceilidhs, quizzes, BBQ’s and walks. You can also be involved in making decisions about the running of the scheme thorough our monthly focus group evening meetings and talks.
Practical tasks run every Tuesday and Thursday and occasional Saturdays meeting at Swallwell Visitor Centre. From here we can transport you to the various task sites through the Borough in our new minibus!
All volunteers are welcome – you don’t need any prior experience as training can be given.
In 2011 the Development and Enterprise Group, which co-ordinates the Volunteer Rangers, was granted an Excellence in Customer Service Award. Special mention was made by the Assessor of the relationship between the Council and the Volunteers.
'The Natural Environment Team has created a fantastic partnership with the Volunteers. The Volunteers feel that the whole scheme is very well run and they appreciate the quarterly Focus Group Meetings and the Volunteers Newsletter.
The Gateshead Countryside Volunteer Rangers and the Council have an extremely beneficial reciprioal relationship'.
Applicants must be over 18. For families and young people interested in taking part in practical conservation work look out for our Family Conservation Days which are detailed in the Countryside Events leaflet. 
This leaflet can be found in the top right corner of the Countryside Home page||.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer please contact the Countryside Volunteer Coordinator on 0191 433 3524. An application procedure is required and as volunteers sometimes work alongside schools and vulnerable adults, applicants may need to complete a Criminal Records Bureau check.