Focus on a ranger
Scott Henderson, Lake District National Park Ranger
Area covered:
Parishes of Loweswater, Buttermere, Lorton, Blindbothel, Blindcrake, Wythop, Embleton, Setmurthy.
What's your background?
For 10 years, I looked at everything with National Park on it and developed some experience in countryside management.
What has been your best day ever in the job?
One of the early days when I covered for the fell top assessors, climbing Helvellyn in perfect winters conditions with a temperature inversion sitting around 1500 feet. Afterwards you think did I get paid for doing that?
What’s special about your area?
The landscape in the western valleys is superb, Buttermere has got its own postage stamp to celebrate picturesque Britain, not all rangers can say that.
What are the best - and worst - parts of the job?
The best part of the job is working in some of the most excellent areas the country has to offer at differing times of day and differing weather conditions. The worst part of the job is keeping ahead of the forms.
What is the most magical time of day?
Lunch time as you have time to stop and look at the world's finest landscape as well as eating your sandwiches.
What advice would you give to someone who would like to become a ranger?
Start by doing a degree, then get about 10 years experience in countryside management. There are very few vacancies as Lake District National Park as rangers so you may have to be prepared to travel, I replaced a man who had completed around 30 years service as a ranger.
One of the phrases from an existing ranger I remember when I started was ‘ It takes about 10 years before you know what your doing then it’s relatively straightforward’.
Inspired?
Then check out our Current Vacancies or have a look at our volunteering section. You can also see vacancies for England's National Parks on the National Parks Portal (opens in new window).
