Trade Secrets: Dartmoor National Park Sector Ranger
Paul Glanville
Why did you become a park ranger?
I have always enjoyed walking and exploring Dartmoor. I used to be a master saddler in the Village Arcade in Tavistock and would look out at Cox Tor from my window wishing I were out there. I volunteered to take guided walks and then a friend recommended me as a volunteer warden with the National Park. In 1991, my part-time, seasonal assistant ranger post became permanent and today I am sector ranger for the area from Tavistock to Princetown, including Burrator and Roborough Down.
How much training is involved, what qualifications do you need to become a park ranger?
Nowadays a countryside management or similar qualification is desirable, but nothing beats a working life understanding and familiarity of Dartmoor. A love of the outdoors and good people skills are essential as well as first-aid knowledge and power tool experience.
Where do you work?
Our main office is in Parke in Bovey Tracey, we also have an office in Princetown and I have remote access through the computer. Most of my time at weekends is spent out on the moor ‘patrolling with purpose’ on foot and from the Land Rover. It is essential we get to know the people on our patch and act as the eyes and ears of the moor.
Who else works with you?
I currently work with three voluntary wardens and liaise with the other sector rangers on a regular basis. We work in collaboration with the National Trust, South West Lakes, Sustrans, as well as in cooperation with land owners, commoners and farmers.
What is involved in being a park ranger? How does your day usually unfold?
It varies greatly. Some days we have scheduled work such as clearing and maintenance of paths, habitat conservation, and litter picking. This can be superseded by an emergency or something requiring more immediate attention. We also organise volunteer groups and working parties to assist in maintaining the beauty of Dartmoor through clearing tracks or tidying up areas that have been neglected or spoiled. On 26 August we are hosting The Roborough Rock Volunteers event at 10am at Roborough Rock for a 2-hour session of clearing scrub from the RAF Harrowbeer aircraft dispersal bays. Please let me know on 07720 509272 if you are interested in helping.
How can we help?
If you are concerned about someone abusing the moor contact your local ranger; you can also join one of the many litter picking volunteer groups. Sensible behaviour such as avoiding bird ground nesting sites or keeping your dog under close control at lambing time is essential.
Are you ever off duty?
Technically yes, but often not. A ranger must promote good behaviour and deal with poor behaviour with a firm but measured, sensitive approach. A lot of people, especially visitors don’t always know the rules that apply on Dartmoor and many unwittingly make thoughtless mistakes that could harm livestock or the countryside by driving off road or lighting BBQs directly on the ground. There has to be an appropriate response to these offences to ensure a positive outcome for us all. Education is key.
What would you say to someone thinking of this as a career?
Most of the time this is a great job, working in a special and protected place, but you need to be realistic about dealing with the small number of inconsiderate people who mistreat this beautiful landscape, such as antisocial visitors, fly-tippers and motorists who relish driving without care. I believe we make a real difference and I feel privileged to be a guardian of the moor.
What is the best thing about your job?
I spend a lot of my time on Dartmoor, both at work and play – running, walking and cycling and I love seeing other people enjoy our moor too. It is our job to ensure that there is a harmonious balance between all parties using the moor so that we can all continue to enjoy this special place for a long time to come.
You can contact Paul on 07720 509272; Princetown information centre on 01822 890414; Dartmoor National Park offices on 01626 832093 or visit www.dartmoor.gov.uk