Countryside Ranger
The District Council's Countryside Ranger, Dave Palmer works on both the South West Coast Path in East Devon and the East Devon Way, making sure the condition of the walking routes is in good order. The popularity of these routes as well as other linked routes, means a considerable amount of maintenance is required to keep them to the required standard - the target is that people should be able to walk the routes without getting stung or scratched. Work includes general clearance to facilitate access and improve the views, replacing gates and stiles, building steps and ensuring that the routes are well waymarked.
(Picture - Left) Dave installing steps in the Undercliffs National Nature Reserve, part of the South West Coast Path, with the help of volunteers from the BTCV.
The Countryside Ranger has a student on regular work experience from Bicton College and also works with local volunteer groups which are essential to help with annual maintenance work on the walking routes and on our Local Nature Reserves. A group from Otterhayes helps out on a regular basis clearing paths and repairing stiles.
(Picture - Right) Dave building a new footbridge across the goyle in Holyford Woods Local Nature Reserve, as part of a programme of work helping to open up permissive paths around the wood.
