National Lottery grant supports volunteers - Northumberland National Park

Northumberland National Park has secured £20,000 from The National Lottery Community Fund’s Awards for All Environment programme to support and expand its Volunteer Programme.

The announcement celebrates the remarkable contribution the National Park’s award-winning volunteers make to protecting, enhancing and sharing one of the UK’s most treasured landscapes.

The Volunteer Programme trains volunteers to strengthen the connection between people and the countryside, helping people discover, access and enjoy outdoor spaces, like Northumberland National Park.

The grant will help recruit, train and support volunteers who contribute thousands of hours of service each year across the National Park. Volunteers play a vital role in habitat restoration, path maintenance, wildlife monitoring, visitor welcome, community engagement and conservation projects that help care for the Park’s landscapes, wildlife and cultural heritage.

For 70 years, volunteers have been at the heart of Northumberland National Park. Their dedication helps ensure that people can access, enjoy and connect with nature while supporting practical conservation work that benefits both local communities and the environment.

The funding will enable the National Park to remove barriers to participation by supporting travel costs, training and equipment, allowing more people from all backgrounds to get involved. The programme benefits local residents, young people seeking skills and experience, as well as and individuals looking to improve their mental and physical wellbeing through meaningful time spent outdoors.