An average day in the life of a trainee ranger
6.30am, jump into the car for the long drive to work – another dreary day ahead. I spend the day sitting behind a desk, with an occasional trip to the coffee machine just to help me stay awake.
Phil Slack, a fellow ranger
That’s how my day used to start. Nowadays I still get up at 6.30am but the rest of my day is very different. Every day as a trainee ranger holds a wide array of tasks and challenges.
Each day we’re out and about, helping the rangers to manage their sites, including SSSIs (Sites of Special Scientific Interest), nature reserves, woods, ponds and the dunes at Camber Sands. Our tasks range from moving livestock, wildlife surveying, and public relations to tree felling, stile replacement and path clearance, with much more in between.
The team spirit is great. The rangers are an easygoing bunch who enjoy making light of heavy work, and are always happy to help if you have a problem!
I have had many wonderful moments on the course, for example helping people from the Searchlight Centre (a home for people with learning disabilities) and constructing Shelduck boxes to be used at the Ouse Estuary Nature Reserve.
Getting the landrover stuck in the mud at Weir Wood, now that was a day to remember… Six o’clock in the evening, covered from head to toe in mud, and still smiles on everyone’s faces (well, almost everyone!).
Chainsaw use, off-road driving and first aid training are just some of the skills I have gained while on the course. Not to mention the months of relevant on-the-job experience that is so valuable.
So when I’m asked "What is an average day in the life of a trainee ranger?", I have to say there’s no such thing!
Find out more about volunteering in the countryside.
