ON AUGUST Bank Holiday 1954, 15 people met up to collect litter at White Moss Common, between Rydal and Grasmere.

They formed the Lake District National Park's first ever voluntary warden work party and, 60 years on, that same spirit of volunteering remains part of the fabric of this precious landscape.

From clearing bracken to repairing stiles; surveying footpaths to gardening, leading guided walks, greeting visitors, writing newsletters and preserving archaeological treasures, the Lake District Volunteers Service gives more than 5,200 days of volunteering each year.

This works out at more than £410,000 of effort made by the 510 volunteers, who all bring a variety of skills, talents and experience to the task, gaining a tremendous sense of achievement and satisfaction along the way.

"From the highest peaks to our stunning lakes, rivers and coastline, volunteers make a tremendous difference to the care of this world-renowned landscape. Their commitment and dedication is unbelievable," said LDNPA volunteer team leader Tim Duckmanton.

"We deeply value the work and support they give. Without them, we couldn't achieve the same volume of work. These remarkable men and women are as special as the places they look after."

Contrary to the image many of us may have of retired professional folk - or even burly men shifting stones - volunteers are aged 16 to 86 and hail from all walks of life.

"We also run a Young Ranger programme for people aged 14 to 18 who are keen to get involved with very hands-on, practical volunteering," Tim told the Gazette.

"Volunteers are recruited into all sorts of different roles. We recruit for some roles all year round, while others are seasonal. Different roles have different time contributions - ranging from one day for one-off activities such as marshalling events, to 20 days a year for some of the more specialist roles like lake rangers."

Among the volunteers' celebratory 60th anniversary projects was a facelift for Helvellyn's summit shelter, built by the very first volunteers. This stone-built bolthole, perched at 950m, has given sanctuary to countless walkers and climbers in dreadful weather.

Eight volunteers joined field rangers on the work party, carrying tools in rucksacks and collecting litter on the way back. "I'm pretty sure it won't be repaired again in my lifetime!" said volunteer Derek Tunstall.

To make sure its volunteers feel appreciated, the LDNPA stages thank-you events such its yearly volunteers' day, Christmas work parties and summer barbecues.

Most recently, an oak tree sapling was planted at High Dam, a beauty spot near Newby Bridge, to mark 60 years of volunteering. A diamond jubilee golden ale, called Park Your Thirst, has also been brewed by Keswick Brewery, with water from the Lakeland fells. Ten pence from every bottle sold will go back to conserving the Lake District, and it can be purchased at Brockhole Visitor Centre, near Windermere, and information centres at Bowness, Ullswater and Keswick.

As the LDNPA's volunteers look to the next 60 years with energy and enthusiasm, new helpers are being warmly invited to apply for voluntary roles and help swell their ranks for the future.To find out more, visit www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/caringfor/volunteering