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Volunteer opportunities at the Mournes

Rangers walking home after a day working to repair the path in the Mournes, County Down, Northern Ireland
Rangers assessing work completed on the path in the Mournes, County Down, Northern Ireland | © National Trust Images/Conor Edgell

Each year volunteer rangers join us in caring for the Mournes. Find out how you can volunteer and help others to enjoy their visit by helping to look after this nationally important place including Northern Ireland’s highest peak.

Volunteer with us in the Mournes

As part of our Slieve Donard path project and our work tackling damage from the Mournes fires, we're looking for a fantastic team of volunteers who are as passionate about the mountains as we are.

Why join us?

There are lots of reasons to join us; making the move to volunteer could be the best decision you ever make.

  • Become part of a friendly and dedicated team
  • Meet people from all walks of life and forge new friendships
  • Utilise your existing skills and learn new ones
  • Strengthen your CV and help to develop your career
  • Enjoy the great outdoors
  • Learn about the history of this special place.

Make new friends

Volunteering is a way to make new friends by working together knowing that you're helping a great cause. National Trust staff will support you in your role and often work alongside you as part of a wider team. There’s always time for chats during your day with other like-minded people.

Ranger working to repair the path in the Mournes, County Down
Ranger working in the Mournes, County Down | © National Trust Images/Conor Edgell

Get outdoors

As a mountain ranger volunteer, you'll be working on Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland's highest peak, and Slieve Commedagh.

Both of these mountains support complex mosaics of habitats including flushes, wet heaths, and mires. Your role will be to help protect this spectacular environment.

Important work

We welcome over 100,000 visitors annually to the Mournes, so footpaths need year-round work to limit erosion and the impact on the local environment. Your work will ensure the paths are well maintained for all visitors.

A variety of tasks

Tasks involve helping with the repair of the path on Slieve Donard. Re-landscaping some of the areas around the upland paths to ensure protection of the surrounding environment will also be part of the role.

A great team

You’ll be working alongside National Trust rangers and contractors who’ll support you at every step. Several of the Mournes rangers previously volunteered, so they know exactly how it feels to support a great cause. Don’t forget there’s always time for a warming cuppa with your new team-mates.

Rangers walking to work in the Mournes, County Down, Northern Ireland
Rangers walking to work in the Mournes, County Down, Northern Ireland | © National Trust Images/Conor Edgell

Want to find out more?

If you are interested in volunteering please contact us to find a role for you. Please email the team at: mournes@nationaltrust.org.uk

Thank you

Thank you to all our volunteers who give their time to support the National Trust in many different roles.

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