7 October 2009, 09/229
West Lancashire Rangers prepare for the changing
seasons
Leaves are falling from the trees and there’s a chill in the
air, which can only mean one thing - autumn is upon us.
For West Lancashire’s Rangers this means more than just wrapping
up warm, instead they have to change their work patterns in line
with the change in season to ensure that the countryside is
protected.
Head Ranger Dan Massey explained: "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."
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. Their work is split into five main
areas -site maintenance and conservation, education, recreation and
patrolling.
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 jobs 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 attractive countryside facilities by putting
on an abundance of activities to encourage visitor to use the
sites. So for the recreational side they put together an exciting
yearly programme of free events and festivals to suit all ages and
abilities, 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!
"There is no typical day," laughs 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."
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 said: "Volunteering is such a
rewarding experience and 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!"
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