Learning & engagement with The Royal Parks
Help us share the passion for the parks we care for. Volunteering for one of our many Learning and Engagement opportunities is rewarding and inspiring.
Key information
Volunteering for our learning and engagement programmes is an incredible way to connect with the natural world, or deepen your own understanding of our history and heritage. You’ll be helping visitors get as much out of their visit to a Royal Park as possible.
We’ve got learning volunteering opportunities at our Hyde Park Learning Centre, helping children discover nature. Or you could travel round the parks with our rolling roadshow, joining the volunteers spreading the word about biodiversity and conservation. If you’ve got a natural passion for history and heritage, as well as nature, why not share that with others by volunteering as a walks leader?
You may already have met one of our friendly Volunteer Rangers who roam the parks, revealing new facts to our visitors.
If you love meeting people, love your Royal Parks and want to give something back, take a look at our range of learning and engagement opportunities. They’re a rewarding way to share your passion for your park.
Learning & engagement opportunities
Volunteer Rangers
London’s eight Royal Parks offer 5,000 acres of historic, nature-rich parkland across the capital, and attract millions of people every single year. Visitors may also spot some friendly figures in orange – our Volunteer Rangers!
First launched in 2019, the Volunteer Ranger service has now expanded to Richmond, Bushy, Greenwich and The Regent’s Parks. Our 250 Volunteer Rangers roam around the parks, working in pairs to welcome visitors and help them get the most out of their experience by sharing facts about the history and nature of the parks, tips on the best walking or cycling routes, and information about what the public can see and do in these unique green spaces.
To find out more about what's involved take a look at the Role Description on the Volunteer Ranger webpage.
Volunteer Walking Tour Leaders
What:
First launched in 2022 the volunteer walking tour leaders allow us to expand the walking tour offer to help meet public demand.
When:
Walks will take place on a mix of weekdays, weekends and evenings throughout the year.
Who:
We are looking for friendly and knowledgeable volunteers to deliver guided walks and talks on nature, heritage and wellbeing in the central Royal Parks (Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, St. James’s Park and The Green Park).
As a walking tour volunteer, you will support our charitable goals by giving our visitors a warm welcome, helping them to understand important context around our work to conserve and enhance the parks, and through some tours by helping us to generate income.
Volunteers will be provided with information outlining the themes we want to cover but we encourage volunteers to supplement this with their own research, and also welcome applications from volunteers with existing relevant expertise.
How:
To find out more, take a look at the Role Description and apply via the Volunteer Walking Tour Leaders webpage.
The closing date for applications is Friday 23 February 2024.
Learning volunteer - Hyde Park Learning Centre
What:
The Hyde Park Learning Centre is a unique, eco-friendly building nestled in an acre of enclosed grounds in the heart of Hyde park. We welcome people of all ages, abilities and communities to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and learn about the natural world. We're looking for learning volunteers to expand our team as we prepare for the busy school terms ahead. Learning volunteers carry out a range of interesting activities, contributing to the smooth-running and effectiveness of both school sessions and more informal learning opportunities during the school holidays.
When:
Monday – Friday
Who:
This opportunity would suit someone with energy and enthusiasm for the natural world and a passion for learning. No previous teaching experience is required, although some experience of working with children is an advantage. An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check is required and will be undertaken on application. You must be at least 18 years old.
How:
To find out more information and submit an application please visit our Volunteer Hub. For questions please use the enquiry form below.
For more information you can also visit our Volunteer Hub.
Royal Parks Nature Roadshow volunteer
What:
This fun and exciting role involves talking to families about nature at The Royal Parks' family roadshow events. Our travelling roadshow event takes place throughout the school holidays and we visit a different park each day, generally between Tuesday - Thursday. The aim of the roadshow is to engage with the public about the wonderful nature we have in the parks. The roadshow consists of one marquee with crafts and activities for families, and another marquee with a professional storyteller.
Volunteers will assist with the following:
- Welcoming and engaging with families who visit the marquee about the exciting world of bugs and nature through the medium of crafts, bug hunts and activities. No specific knowledge is required, just an enthusiasm for the parks and nature.
- Assisting set up and pack up of marquees, A-frames, tables and activities.
- We ask for your help from 10am - 4pm. The event is open to the public 11am - 3pm.
When:
Where will be roadshow dates in the school holidays between April and October 2023 (see link below).
Who:
We’re looking for friendly and enthusiastic people to join our roadshow team. You will be one of the key representatives of The Royal Parks so should be passionate about the parks and willing to work in a team. The role doesn’t involve any specialist skills or knowledge of wildlife, just a genuine enthusiasm for the being outdoors, talking to people, and getting your hands dirty!
How:
You can apply on the Volunteer Hub here.
This event is supported by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery.
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Heritage volunteering
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Volunteering FAQs
Our FAQs will help answer your questions about volunteering with The Royal Parks.
