Volunteers in parks : an appraisal of the Peak National Park volunteers system

Abstract

Between April and September 1985 I worked with volunteers in the Peak National Park, England and collected information on the volunteer system in operation. This dissertation provides an outline and appraisal of the PPCV and the benefits and problems of such a system. The Peak Park Conservation Volunteers system is unique in that it operates at a local and regional level rather than nationally as many of the other overseas systems do. Many of the issues discussed will be of relevance to a New Zealand operation regardless of which system is eventually adopted here. However, it is envisaged that this dissertation will be of most value in the management and organisation of volunteer programmes at a local level.

The United States, Britain and Australia have all established conservation corps and volunteers working in their parks and reserves. The New Zealand government also wishes to operate conservation volunteering in this country but as to date is undecided to which system would be most appropriate.