On the 20th of October, we welcomed our newly expanded Volunteer Ranger Team at an induction morning in Ticknock. There are 12 new recruits which brings us to a total of 20 volunteer team members. Over the next few months our 12 new volunteers will be out and about on Meet & Greet days with our experienced volunteers, they will also be undertaking training. Keep your eyes peeled for our new and experienced members out on the hills and be sure to say hi!

With our expanded Volunteer Ranger team we look forward to hosting more hikes, Meet & Greet days and events. If there’s anything you’d like to see more of, then please let us know by sending an email to info@dublinmountains.ie

The DMP established a Volunteer Ranger Programme in 2009. The objectives of the Volunteer Ranger programme is to have a team of volunteers who are interested in supporting the work of the DMP and helping in the management of outdoor recreation.

The Volunteer Ranger Programme aims to: 

• Assist the public in appreciating the Dublin Mountains through education and communication  
• Increase community involvement in, and awareness of, the management of the forest and mountain lands  
• Develop volunteers' personal understanding, knowledge and sense of belonging to the Dublin Mountains  
• Promotion of the Leave No Trace principles  
• Assist in practical conservation tasks

Volunteering is integral to the Dublin Mountains Partnership’s mission of improving the recreational experience in the Dublin Mountains, protecting the environment, and raising awareness of the benefits these mountains provide. The DMP has several volunteering roles.

Meet & Greet

Role: Serve as a welcoming presence at trailheads and along trails and providing information to visitors about the Dublin Mountains.　

Duties:

• Provide information about trails, local wildlife, and special features.
• Promote Leave No Trace Ireland principles.
• Educate the public about responsible behaviour in the mountains including the protection of wildlife from disturbance and built heritage from damage.
• Encourage dog walkers to keep dogs on leads in designated areas.　

Skills Required: Basic fitness, good communication, friendly demeanour.

Training Provided: Leave No Trace Ireland Awareness, Wilderness First Aid.

Guiding　

Role: Lead or support guided walks and educational outdoor activities. Guiding Volunteers play an important role in raising awareness and appreciation for the Dublin Mountains environment.　

Duties:

• Educate participants about biodiversity, nature conservation, cultural heritage, and responsible dog ownership.

Skills Required: Fitness, hillwalking experience, public speaking, enthusiasm for education.　

Training Provided: Leave No Trace Ireland Awareness, Wilderness First Aid, Lowland Leader.

Trail Repair　

Role: Support trail maintenance efforts in collaboration with Mountain Meitheal Dublin Wicklow (MMDW).　

Duties:

• Participate in conservation and restoration projects on trails.　

Skills Needed: Physical fitness, willingness to work outdoors.　

Training Provided: Leave No Trace Ireland Awareness, Wilderness First Aid, On-site training.

Conservation　

Role: Assist in various conservation projects in collaboration with NPWS and Coillte Nature.　

Duties:

• Engage in activities like removing invasive species and supporting biodiversity initiatives.　

Skills Needed: Interest in conservation, ability to perform manual labour.　

Training Provided: Leave No Trace Ireland Awareness, Wilderness First Aid, On-site training.

Citizen Science　

Role: Participate in data collection and monitoring programmes.　

Duties:

• Gather scientific data, contribute to biodiversity studies, and assist in environmental monitoring efforts.　

Skills Needed: Observational skills, interest in scientific research.　

Training Provided: On-site Basic Data Recording.