North Downs Way National Trail Training Ambassador Scheme
Published on 31 March 2020
United Kingdom
This is the good practice's implementation level. It can be national, regional or local.
About this good practice
The North Downs Way Ambassador Scheme developed a training module for people to deliver activities (walks/ talks/ themed events) on and around the North Downs Way National Trail.
Twenty-two Ambassadors were initially trained learning about the North Downs Way, landscape heritage, biodiversity, how to lead a walk, health and safety and visitor welcome. Training materials and a resource pack were produced and available on a dedicated web portal which Ambassadors can access when required to deliver their events.
Importantly, all trained ambassadors become automatic members of the well-established Surrey Hills Society to provide insurance cover for their Ambassador Activity. This important to ensure confidence that they can deliver a public event with the correct insurance in place. It also gives a promotional and support network for all Ambassadors to create and deliver a wide range of rural and cultural events connected to the North Downs Way National trail.
The Ambassador Toolkit provides details on how to lead a good walk on the North Downs Way National trail and the resources can be accessed here
https://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/en_GB/trails/north-downs-way/volunteer-downloads/
Twenty-two Ambassadors were initially trained learning about the North Downs Way, landscape heritage, biodiversity, how to lead a walk, health and safety and visitor welcome. Training materials and a resource pack were produced and available on a dedicated web portal which Ambassadors can access when required to deliver their events.
Importantly, all trained ambassadors become automatic members of the well-established Surrey Hills Society to provide insurance cover for their Ambassador Activity. This important to ensure confidence that they can deliver a public event with the correct insurance in place. It also gives a promotional and support network for all Ambassadors to create and deliver a wide range of rural and cultural events connected to the North Downs Way National trail.
The Ambassador Toolkit provides details on how to lead a good walk on the North Downs Way National trail and the resources can be accessed here
https://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/en_GB/trails/north-downs-way/volunteer-downloads/
Resources needed
Officer time to develop and manage 6 months
Delivery of Training sessions - £750
Training materials - £500
Creation of Toolkit - £250
Creation of volunteer web portal - £180
Delivery of Training sessions - £750
Training materials - £500
Creation of Toolkit - £250
Creation of volunteer web portal - £180
Evidence of success
22 Ambassadors trained
Over 50 walks and events delivered
Over 600 participants
One Ambassador has created a new business https://www.hikesofsurrey.com/ , a commercial guided walk service
Ambassadors deliver events in 4 annual walking festivals
A local tour operator has recruited Ambassadors to help meet a rise in demand
Requests for more Ambassador Training Sessions
Requests for additional 1st Aid training for Ambassadors
Ambassadors have supported 6 partner events along the trail
Over 50 walks and events delivered
Over 600 participants
One Ambassador has created a new business https://www.hikesofsurrey.com/ , a commercial guided walk service
Ambassadors deliver events in 4 annual walking festivals
A local tour operator has recruited Ambassadors to help meet a rise in demand
Requests for more Ambassador Training Sessions
Requests for additional 1st Aid training for Ambassadors
Ambassadors have supported 6 partner events along the trail
Potential for learning or transfer
Any region could copy the same training programme for their national trails but replacing the information with their own locally distinctive heritage
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
Kent Downs AONB
United Kingdom
Kent
Contact
Partnership Officer