THREE new Green Estates Rangers have started work to enhance and manage natural spaces in the Bridgwater and Brean area.

Somerset Council recently welcomed the three new members to its Natural Environment Team, who are based at Berrow Dunes Local Nature Reserve near Brean, and Wilstock and Stockmoor Country Park near North Petherton.

Lydia Winthorpe (Ranger), Erica Cox (Ranger) and Julia Kennaby (Community Ranger) will work with Somerset Council for six months. A grant from the Government Department of Culture’s Levelling Up Programme has allowed the Council to create the new roles.

The trio will work to enhance and manage the natural areas and help foster a deeper connection between the community and their local green spaces, promoting environmental stewardship and sustainability.

Councillor Graeme Oakes, Lead Member for Public Health, Environment and Climate Change said: “We are very pleased to welcome our new Green Estates rangers to the Natural Environment team. Their expertise and hard work will bring significant improvements for visitors, the diverse environments, and wildlife.

“By working with local communities, friends’ groups, and volunteers, they will build lasting relationships that will benefit these beloved natural spaces for years to come, and in the process help Somerset become greener and more sustainable”.

Main responsibilities for a Green Estates Ranger include improving green spaces for wildlife and local residents; engaging communities with these unique natural environments through public events and activities; and managing biodiversity by focusing on priority species and habitats as outlined in land management plans.

The new team is working on five-year management plans for both sites and would like to hear from members of the public. To fill out a questionnaire, or to find out more, email: countryside@somerset.gov.uk.  

The new team are also excited to host two volunteer taster sessions and encourage anyone interested to get involved.

The first session is on Thursday 14, November 2024 from 10am to 2pm at Wilstock and Stockmoor Country Park. Anyone interested in joining should meet at the play area by Teeswater Walk at 9.45am. During this session, volunteers will help rangers Lydia and Erica remove some of the tree guards from the established new trees on the site.

The following week on Thursday, November 21, another volunteer taster session will take place at Berrow Dunes from 10am to 2pm. Meet at the Berrow Dunes Local Nature Reserve Car Park at 9.45am. Volunteers can join the rangers in removing the encroaching scrub and non-native sea buckthorn.