New Forest Junior Rangers
Helping the New Forest flourish
We know young people are passionate about nature, climate and the world around them. Junior Rangers is an opportunity for those aged 11 to 18 years old who are interested in conservation, sustainability and the natural world to make a difference in the New Forest National Park.
They work alongside the New Forest National Park Authority engagement team to help look after the New Forest and take part in fun practical activities all contributing to its care and conservation.
What do Junior Rangers do?
- Help New Forest Rangers look after the National Park
- Take part in practical tasks for climate and nature across the New Forest
- Have fun with other young people of a similar age
- Learn new skills
- Help promote the New Forest code and other sustainable practices
Through developing their knowledge and skills, Junior Rangers work towards completing their Junior Ranger skills passport and achieving their New Forest Junior Ranger award.
If you are aged 15 to 18 years old, you can apply to be one of our Junior Ranger Peer mentors. Peer mentors help to support other Junior Rangers, as well as having the opportunity to help run some of the activities. For more information, please see our Peer mentor role description – available soon!
When does Junior Rangers take place?
Junior Ranger sessions are free and usually take place on the first Saturday of the month at a variety of locations across the New Forest. To take part in these sessions you will need to be registered with us as a Junior Ranger.
If you are unable to make Saturdays, please keep an eye out for our pop-up Junior Ranger sessions during school holidays which you do not need to be registered for and will be available on a first come first served basis.
How do I become a Junior Ranger?
If you would like to register to become a Junior Ranger, please complete our consent forms and email them to education@newforestnpa.gov.uk
Once we have received your completed consent forms, you will receive a confirmation email and will be able to book onto events through Eventbrite.
We understand that life is busy and young people may not be able to attend every session, the minimum attendance for Junior Rangers is five sessions a year.
If you are interested in becoming one of our peer mentors, please also complete the peer mentor application form. Candidates will be selected on their suitability in line with the role description – application forms will be available soon!
How will Junior Rangers benefit me?
Junior Rangers will develop a range of knowledge and skills around the New Forest, its history and habitats as well as the balance of conservation, recreation and climate within a protected landscape. In addition, Junior Rangers will have the opportunity to develop both personal and professional skills that they can take forward into whatever career path they follow in the future.
The Skills Passport and Junior Ranger Award enable young people to track and celebrate their knowledge, skills and development.
Who should I contact?
If you have any questions about the Junior Ranger programme, please contact education@newforestnpa.gov.uk
