Web Editor

Behind the scenes with Helen Reynolds

Helen Reynolds

What do you do exactly?

I run this website and the ones for Weatherline and Brockhole - The Lake District Visitor Centre. I'm also responsible for our Facebook and Twitter accounts.

How did you get into this job?

I graduated in English and joined an educational publishing company who were just beginning to work on the internet. I then managed a team of e-commerce website editors for a holiday company based at Gatwick. But I wanted to return to my countryside roots and work for something I could really believe in. I saw the advert and went for it!

What's been your greatest achievement so far?

Seeing the visitor figures grow since 2004 has been amazing - we've now over 1.3 million website visitors each year. I also treasure emails from satisfied users. One that stands out was from a gentleman who had been recently widowed and found solace in a particularly beautiful Weatherline photo.

What are the best parts of the job?

I love honing interesting words and beautiful images into web-friendly content. There's always something new to learn from limestone kilns to Norse words. The Uniquely Lake District section covers many of the questions I first asked when I moved here.

What are the worst parts of the job?

As I'm the only editor, it can be quite isolating if something goes wrong. Fortunately we're part of the National Parks Portal. This means I can phone other website staff from the Yorkshire Dales to Dartmoor for their help and advice.

What advice would you give to someone who would like to do this kind of job?

Make sure you have an impressive live showcase website. Also know about accessibility and usability. Don't be put off if you've not got a conservation background. It's been to my advantage as by asking the questions the public would, we end up with better content - I hope!

Web pages relating to Helen's work:

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National Parks - Britain's breathing spaces