As an assistant ranger, I was responsible for patrolling the 14 nature reserves and keeping the reserves clean, safe and in good ecological condition. Due to the varied and changing nature of day-to-day work, I had to prioritise the importance of tasks and maintain an effective use of our team’s time. Whilst with the Rangers, I would lead and organise volunteer work parties, both maintenance and conservation based, with adults and children. As I have a Tree safety inspection certificate, I checked the footpaths and boundaries with the arboricultural officer as part of the annual tree safety work. I planned and lead children’s summer events, including Pond Dips, Bug Hunts, and adventure based activities. I have cleared, established and repaired footpaths and steps, and fence lines for the cattle. I was often responsible for checking the grazing cattle, sheep and pigs used for conservation grazing on the reserves, as well as making sure the sites weren’t being damaged by over grazing and moving the animals when it was appropriate. I have also worked in partnership with local groups, including the Wildlife Trust and Worcester Bat Group. As a Council, consultation and good relations with the public about work to be carried out in accordance with the Higher Level Stewardship agreement was paramount to the nature reserves and Sites of Special Scientific Interest. An open, clear and concise approach to explain the works and the importance of changes to the nature reserves with site users is vital to keep good relations with people from all the different walks of society. Most discussions with the public were to promote the restoration of heathland and acidic grassland, re-wetting of marshes and wet meadows, incorporating grazing areas to more publicly walked sites, and removing pioneer species that are encroaching on the grassland.