A huge expansion of the Volunteer Rangers programme in Richmond's Royal Parks is taking place.

Wearing distinctive, bright orange uniforms, they give up their time to educate and inform visitors to Richmond and Bushy parks, sharing facts about the parks' history and making sure people get the most out of their visit.

They also step in to help when it's needed. In October we reported how two rangers rescued a swan that was attacked by other swans.

A leading conservation charity said there are plans to boost the numbers of rangers in Richmond Park by more than double.

Residents are able to apply now but their application will be assessed once the lockdown has finished - the Volunteer Rangers service is currently paused.

The Friends of Richmond Park said:

The Volunteer Ranger scheme is now starting its third year.

The scheme is managed by the Royal Parks, with the Friends of Richmond Park on its Advisory Group, and we are pleased with its progress.

Despite the disruptions of covid restrictions, the rangers interacted with more than 6,000 people last year in Richmond Park, with deer and dogs being the biggest topics.

There are currently 45 rangers in the park.

The Royal Parks plan to increase this to 100 during 2021, through a mix of continuous recruitment (i.e. people who apply spontaneously), and two large-scale advertising rounds – set for February and March.

Are you interested in becoming a ranger? Then apply here.

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