Rangers prepare for changing seasons

Dan and the other Rangers look after 11 of the council's sites

Leaves are falling from the trees and there's a chill in the air - autumn is upon us.

For West Lancashire's Rangers this means more than just wrapping up warm, they have to change their work patterns in line with the change in season to ensure our countryside is protected.

Their work includes site maintenance and conservation, education, recreation and patrolling.

And it's a job that goes on whatever the weather or time of year.

Head Ranger Dan Massey explains, "At this time of year we have to carry out a lot of woodland management, which includes thinning trees, planting and carrying out vegetation works.

"Autumn is always a good time to carry out maintenance work on the footpaths too because they're not as well used in the colder months. It's an interesting time of year to watch the landscapes slowly changing colour and the leaves falling from the trees."

Mini beasts

It's a different story in the summertime when the Rangers are more focused on the free events programmes and frantically preparing for its three biggest events of the year - the Kite and Outdoor Sports Festival, the Green Fayre and the Walking Festival, which are all big hits with visitors.

Even though there are other events on throughout the year, the warmer weather always means the countryside is busier than usual.

The Rangers look after 11 of the council's sites - Beacon Country Park, Coronation Park, Tawd Valley Park, Platts Lane Lakes, Cheshire Lines, Ruff Wood, Fairy Glen, Dean Wood, Abbey Lakes, Chequer Lane and Hunter's Hill.

A lot of work is centred round preparing for the different seasons

The maintenance and conservation work includes everything from general repairs and improvements, preserving the bio-diversity of sites, thinning trees, keeping the sites clean and tidy and ensuring that the public have access to the countryside.

The educational side of the job involves working with schools and community groups to raise the profile of the countryside and to teach them the importance of helping to protect the environment. So they regularly have pupils hunting for mini beasts and pond dipping.

They also have to make sure that the people of West Lancashire make the most of the countryside facilities by putting on activities to encourage visitors of all ages and abilities to use the sites, including a fun Junior Rangers' Club specifically for 5 to 13 year olds.

The Rangers also regularly patrol all the sites to make sure that they are safe, clean and available and to provide a presence to walkers who need help, advice - or directions if they lose their way!

'Fantastic job'

"There is no typical day," says Dan. "A lot of work is centred round preparing for the different seasons, making sure that people can enjoy the countryside, fighting against the effects of the weather, or dealing with issues if one of the sites has been vandalised or littered. But that's what I like about it - the variety. I also enjoy the freedom of being outdoors and I really love the traditional work such as the woodland management."

Work includes site maintenance and conservation

Anyone who likes the sound of Dan's work and enjoys the outdoors can actually become a volunteer ranger. Volunteers need to be aged 16 upwards and can give as little or as much time they want.

They will be given the chance to carry out lots of conservation tasks and practical management, such as cutting back vegetation, felling trees, improving footpaths, laying hedges and other maintenance skills.

Dan explains, "I'd encourage people to come forward if they are interested. We have a number of regular volunteers of all ages who do a fantastic job in helping us with a variety of tasks to keep our countryside looking great.

"It's a good opportunity to learn new skills and to see what goes on behind the scenes to maintain our open spaces. It's also a nice feeling to know that you are doing something worthwhile to improve the environment - so if you can spare a few hours, why not try it out?"

To find out more about volunteering, or want to visit one of the sites in West Lancashire, visit the council website or call 01695 622794.