A day in the life of a Park Ranger

1 August 2024

To celebrate Love Parks Week 2024, we caught up with Henry Hothersall, who recently joined the Moor Park team as a Park Ranger.

How long have you been a Park Ranger?

Five weeks! The first few weeks were spent shadowing and working with other Park Rangers going round all the Preston parks with them and really enjoyed it. This is my third week at Moor Park. I just keep on top of the maintenance of the grounds, areas and the playground. We all work together here, I really love the team I work with. I'm really enjoying the job!

What do you think people think you do all day versus what you actually do?

I think people think I drive around with a big, majestic dog like a country ranger...

....sounds fun! What does your day actually look like?

I see my job as more of a Park Warden role.

Every day's different, you never know what's going to happen! I get here about 7.30am. I'll open the shutters so people know there's someone here. Then I'll litter pick for 2 hours, and I'll check the trees, drains, benches, bins, roads, MUGAS (Multi-Use Games Areas), playground and walkways.

A large part of my job involves carrying out site inspections, checking the grounds and the buildings. I'm also responsible for monitoring anti-social behaviour, emptying bins, removing graffiti and hazardous objects such as broken glass and needles.

Every week, I check the fire alarms and water mains. I also check the Observatory and the football pavilions. Throughout the week, whilst doing my litter pick, I check the woodlands, playground and surrounding areas. if there's anything I can't fix, I write up a report and flag it up.

What' s the most random thing you've seen or found?

The weirdest thing I saw was at Fishwick Nature Reserve, when someone had fly-tipped a load of porcelain dolls, it was very creepy!

Is there something about Moor Park that people will be surprised to learn?

There's a nature trail up through the woods, that I didn't know about until I started. The park is also steeped in history. Moor Park was originally part of the Royal Forest of Fulwood under the Royal Charter of Henry III. Between 1736 and 1833 horse races were held annually on the park, the course itself started at a large stone which is still in its original position today and known as the Starting Chair.

How do you keep the park safe and protected?

I just keep on top of the maintenance of the grounds, areas and the playground. I monitor all anti-social behaviour and report anything to the police. On my walks round the park, I sometimes find discarded needles. When I find a needle, I find it extremely rewarding as it's one less needle to cause harm to children and animals.

There's a group of volunteers, Friends of Moor Park, who are an extra pair of eyes. They flag things up. There's a fantastic sense of community, they are a lovely group of people and they've planted flowerbeds and help make Moor Park the great place it is.

How do you envisage Moor Park in 10 years?

There's a lot of potential, especially down the far end near Deepdale, where there's a huge rewilding area. As I progress in my career and especially when I get my NVQ in Horticulture, I'm hoping to plant some stuff in there and enhance the biodiversity to encourage different animals and insects in, I think it will only get better.

The park is the biggest in Preston. I've got a lot to learn, I'm with the right people and the right team.

How many steps do you do a day?

About 10,000, I used to be a pharmacy porter and did about 15,000 steps! But I love being outside and it's a lot nicer being out and about in nature and being surrounded by greenery. I've started at the right time too in Summer!

Thoughts on BBC Radio2 in the Park?

I think it's great for Preston, I think it's good for the area and I hope everyone has a great time.

What does the preparation look like?

I've got to make sure the ground is in good order for them. I'll do a site hand-over with the Radio 2 team. On the whole, it's a very good thing for Preston.