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Ranger service

The Ranger Service delivers a wide variety of environmental projects and services on our sites. Some of the main projects are highlighted here.

Practical environmental projects for special needs groups

There are several groups who work with us throughout the year - whatever the weather! They have a significant impact, contributing hundreds of volunteer hours on a variety of sites including Chairborough Local Nature Reserve, Gomm's Wood, Keephill Wood and Highfield Wood. The groups undertake important conservation work such as footpath maintenance, coppicing, scrub clearance, dead hedging and litter picking.

Woodland and grassland management for recreation and wildlife

The 29 sites looked after by the Ranger Service, whether woodland, chalk grassland or mixed habitat, are managed to maximise benefits to the public through a variety of leisure activities such as walking, orienteering and picnicking, while also increasing their biodiversity and wildlife value.

Conservation projects for the general public

We have four local nature reserves and a number of woodland sites that need important conservation work all year round. There are a series of projects which enable active public participation - these are advertised through the Ranger Service website and in WOW - What's on in Wycombe. If you would like information on forthcoming conservation projects or would like to get involved, please contact the Rangers.

Working with local authorities

The Ranger Service works closely with other local authorities and non-governmental organisations to deliver the Biodiversity Action Plan for Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes. The service also gives advice to planners, land owners and other service providers.

Working with schools and colleges

We have worked with over 70 schools across the district covering many aspects of the National Curriculum and helping raise environmental awareness through sensory games, habitat observations etc. We also encourage the establishment of wildlife areas in the school grounds. We arrange and co-ordinate active field trips giving local children the opportunity to participate in conservation work on our sites and nature reserves. The Ranger Service also offers work experience and work shadowing to years 10-13. These opportunities are available to ALL schools and colleges in the Wycombe district. For further details please contact our Senior Ranger who will be happy to discuss these matters with you.

Work experience

The Ranger Service provides this opportunity not only to local schoolchildren, but also to suitably motivated people who seek to pursue an environmental career. This includes under and post graduates looking to gain vital experience or conduct research in conservation or environmental management. If you are interested in taking up this kind of opportunity, please contact us.

Organisation of events on open spaces

We help co-ordinate events such as funfairs, shows, sports matches as well as patrolling areas such as the Rye in High Wycombe and Higginson Park in Marlow.

Management of play areas and provision of youth facilities

There are over 40 play areas managed by the Ranger Service. These are inspected weekly - and some are even checked daily. All rangers have attended approved Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) courses to enable them to detect and remove any dangerous or hazardous items. Contractors are used for heavy-duty work such as the installation of large equipment. Rangers install, maintain and replace smaller equipment such as rockers and swings. Part of the play area management remit requires us to provide and maintain teen facilities.

Guided walks

The Ranger Service hosts guided walks throughout the Wycombe district. For further information please visit our events page or contact us directly for information on dates, meeting points, distances and duration of walks. We also lead the 50+ Group from Wycombe Sports Centre on monthly walks.

You may also be interested in the Simply Walk scheme. Simply Walk has led walks throughout the Wycombe, South Bucks and Chilterns areas. It is organised by the Primary Care Trusts and District Councils in Southern Buckinghamshire. More about Simply Walk

Contact the Ranger Service