Ranger spotlight

Craig Bellwood - Access Ranger for Upper Wharfedale

Area covered:

Upper Wharfedale – Arncliffe, Buckden, Bordley, Conistone-with-Kilnsey, Halton Gill, Hawkswick, Kettlewell-with-Starbotton, Litton, Threshfield.

How long have you been doing this job?

Three years with the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority but nine years in total in this area of work.

Where’s your favourite place in the Yorkshire Dales National Park and why do you love it so much?

Littondale, as it provides a contrast to the much busier area of Wharfedale.

What’s special about your ‘patch’ of the National Park?

The area in general, every part has its own special qualities

How did you get into this kind of work?

Initially I gained a countryside management qualification and then started volunteering before gaining a temporary position here at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority which then became full-time.

What are the best - and worst - parts of your job?

Best: I really enjoy improving access for a range of users who may have different needs and capabilities.

Worst: Picking up litter and - although fundamental to our jobs - the dreaded computer!

What has been your best day ever in the job?

I recently completed an 'Access for All' path at Buckden which is suitable for all types of users including those in wheelchairs.

What’s the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you whilst working as a ranger?

Realizing I had a hole in my welly.  Unfortunately I was standing in the middle of a stream at the time repairing some stepping stones.

What is the most magical time of day or season for you?

Autumn in Littondale with the changes in leave colour and lighting that produce so many different colours.

What advice would you give to someone who would like to become a ranger or work in countryside management?

Get a qualification and then volunteer experience. You need to be a Jack of all trades these days so don't just rely on being good at one aspect of the role.

Inspired?

Check out our Jobs section or have a look at our Volunteering section. You can also view adverts for other jobs within England's national parks on the national parks portal (link opens in new window).