Focus on a ranger
Pete Barron, Lake District National Park Ranger
Area covered:
Borrowdale, Underskiddaw, Bassenthwaite, St John’s Castlerigg and Wythburn. On-site management on Bassenthwaite Lake NNR. High fells of Borrowdale, Helvellyn area and Skiddaw.
How did you get into this role?
I knew fellow ranger Scott Henderson! Seriously, I had been wanting this job since I was at school.
What has been your best day ever in the job?
In the early naive days, colleague Henderson and I approached an armed man in a car park at Thirlmere. We have never done that again!
What’s special about the Lake District National Park?
We are fortunate enough to live and work in the National Park. The combination of fell, lake, valley and the possibilities of working in and for the area and its people are endless. Working with the wildlife of my area is very special, too many highlights to mention.
What are the best - and worst - parts of the job?
Achieving a job which helps the landscape, wildlife and the local community and yes some personal satisfaction are the best. Administration can at times be out of hand, but to some it seems to be the most important aspect to our job.
What is the most magical time of day?
Getting up to go surveying at Bassenthwaite at 4.30am in the spring is tough, but once there is one of the best places I know.
What advice would you give to someone who would like to become a ranger?
Get a countryside management qualification, get work experience wherever you can to gain experience, come with all that in about 10 years time and you can have my job!
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).
