Ranger spotlight

Richard Mainman - Access Ranger for Lower Wharfedale

Area covered:

Lower Wharfedale.

How long have you been doing this job?

Sixteen years.

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

Probably the road down from Beamsley Beacon as it gives fine views up into the South of the National Park.

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

It is one of the busiest areas within the National Park and as a consequence there is an endless amount of  repair work to be undertaken, so never a dull day.

How did you get into this kind of work?

I spent some time as a volunteer with Bradford Council’s Countryside Service and enjoyed the work so went to college to gain qualifications. I then worked with the National Trust for a year before being appointed as a seasonal ranger with the National Park. This later became a full time post.

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

The best thing is completing an improvement standing back and thinking that you have contributed to make someone's quality of walk better.

Fortunately it's not a significant part of the job but the most disheartening part of the job can be returning to jobs that have been destroyed by vandalism and cleaning up people's litter.

What has been your best day ever in the job?

Most days are special, the views of the landscape can be spectacular all year round.

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

I was once caught in a summer rain storm whilst rebuilding a stile at Kettlewell. I had no coat and was due to attend a meeting later in the day.  In order to avoid turning up to that in a really bedraggled state I took off my shirt and put it in the land rover.  As I stood up from behind the wall I came face to face with an elderly farmer who was somewhat taken aback at the sight of a semi nude Ranger appearing from nowhere!

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

Autumn mornings are special as the light is fantastic and the footpaths become quiet before winter.

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

Volunteer for anything relevant, gain experience and never give in.

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).