Our 'Take Five' series usually gives one colleague the chance to answer five questions. This World Ranger Day, we're turning that around and asking five rangers the same question: why do you enjoy being a ranger at Forestry England?
Every day, our rangers help care for the nation's forests, support wildlife and create great experiences for visitors. We spoke to five rangers from across the country to hear about their roles, favourite projects and the things that might surprise you about life in the forest.
Nick File, Recreational Ranger at Fineshade Wood
"Part of my role involves working with the Beat team, who have passed on their knowledge of trees, although can't say I remember it all! As the name suggests Fineshade has lovely shady walks and trails, so is ideal for sunny days.
Being able to bring my dogs to work is their favourite thing, and I love it as well! My day can look like an inspection walk, oiling benches, greeting and helping visitors, moving sand or woodchip, as well as clearing paths and litter.
Once a month, I am required to ‘play’ on the playparks for a few hours. Some people call this monthly inspections..."
Emily Figgins, Recreation Ranger at Sandlings Forests
"My role is all about helping people enjoy the forest while protecting it for future generations. I love being outdoors every day, meeting visitors and helping them connect with nature, whether that’s answering questions, improving accessibility or raising awareness of issues like wildfire risk.
One of my favourite projects has been helping create Rendlesham Forest's new accessible Discovery Trail, inspired by Rendlesham’s famous UFO story. Seeing a child with non-verbal communication become completely absorbed in the sensory play equipment on the opening day reminded me why making our forests welcoming for everyone really matters.
People are often surprised that my role is just as much about working with visitors and communities as it is caring for the forest itself - and that’s one of the things I enjoy most."
Stuart Sutton, Wildlife Ranger for the Sussex Weald and Kent Beats
"I works across several sites including Friston Forest, Abbot's Wood, and Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest.
The reason I enjoy my job so much is the close wildlife encounters I have whilst doing deer management, such as a near miss with a missile-like Sparrowhawk whilst sitting in a high seat!
I love being able to work outside in the forest environment, seeing the varied habitats across different sites as well as the positive changes we make to each environment.
A highlight from my time as a ranger would have to be my reintroduction of the Pearl bordered fritillary butterfly with volunteer Mike Mullis in 2004. The population is still going strong now, thanks to the Beat team and ongoing survey work."
Millie Isaac, Recreation Ranger at Jeskyns Community Woodland
"I help care for the woodland while working with volunteers, local communities and partner organisations to create welcoming places for everyone to enjoy.
The best part of my role is seeing people gain confidence, learn new skills and make a real difference for nature. Volunteer days are always a highlight, whether we’re clearing reeds to improve habitats or maintaining the orchards for visitors to enjoy, it's always such an uplifting day.
People are often surprised that being a ranger is as much about working with people as it is wildlife. Helping communities connect with nature while caring for the woodland is what makes the job so rewarding."
Jadie Baker, Recreation Ranger in Kent
"As a Recreation Ranger covering 12 sites across Kent, I spend my time helping people enjoy our forests while working with local wildlife groups, volunteers and partners.
People are surprised that a large part of my job is actually paperwork. I spend time organising permissions, reviewing maps and coordinating access, making sure activities run smoothly alongside ongoing forestry work. It might not sound glamorous, but it’s what makes so much of our conservation work possible!
My favourite thing is facilitating wildlife surveys with passionate conservation groups and experienced partners. Locally we've been supporting nightingales in Orlestone Forest, the heath fritillary butterfly in Clowes Wood and the Duke of Burgundy butterfly at Denge Wood.
Sometimes you go looking for one species and end up discovering another, and those unexpected moments are some of the most rewarding parts of being a ranger."
Help us grow the future
If you enjoyed learning about the work our rangers do, discover how you can help us grow the future by joining our team.
From foresters to finance managers, our team are responsible for pioneering change within the timber, forestry, leisure and wellbeing sectors. We plan forests, plant climate resilient species and protect these spaces for wildlife and people every day.
Become a part of our story today as we write the next chapter for the environmental sector.
