New face on the North York Moors

By Tim Dale BBC York & North Yorkshire

Male rangers still outnumber womEn at the North York Moors National Park

Pointing the way for future generations, Naomi Dillon is the first woman national park ranger ever to be appointed on the North York Moors.

Naomi had worked for a local council in countryside management for five years before joining the team at the North York Moors National Park.

Her experience of work in the countryside and qualifications in everything from environmental management to chainsaw use made her the best candidate for the job;

"It is a very diverse role and you do need a lot of skills and knowledge," she says.

The original rangers were fourteenth century male guardians of the royal forests. In the North York Moors National Park male rangers still outnumber females, six to one.

Its a fantastic job, no two days are the same Naomi Dillon

Despite the all-male environment, Naomi says it makes little difference to her that she's surrounded by men; "I know it might seem really strange to some people but it just isn't something I really notice."

The job is a demanding one though; "You do have to be very fit. There's a lot of lifting and practical work involved," says Naomi.

Her arrival could herald something of a sea change in traditional gender roles in our green spaces. The North York Moors National park has been running a successful apprenticeship scheme for several years now.

More and more young women, like apprentice Sarah Bell, are getting the chance to learn skills which were once once a male preserve.

"It has been a really good opportunity to get to work for the National Park. With the apprenticeship scheme you learn so many things and gain lots of skills to take with you to another job when you finish."

First female park ranger

Sarah is currently one of only two female apprentices taking part in the scheme and Naomi thinks more women should realise what a great career it is;

"It is a fantastic job, no two days are the same. One day you might be out with the volunteers doing a practical task, another day you could be meeting local landowners or you might be out on patrol."

The apprenticeship scheme has obvious advantages in encouraging more young men and women to gain the skills involved in managing the North York Moors and ensuring it's future.

With women like Naomi and Sarah leading the way, the gate is now wide open for more women to take up the challenge of a career in the countryside.