The National Trust’s ranger team manages 2,000-acres of historic parkland at Hardwick, near Chesterfield.
And right now they are responsible for carrying out extensive wildlife surveys to monitor species and identify critical habitats to ensure nature continues to thrive.
“Being part of this team is really rewarding,” said ranger Emily Marsden. “And now is a really exciting time for us as we’re doing some really cool things.”
Bumblebees, moths, butterflies, grass snakes, and small mammals have recently been surveyed. Finds in the past have included the Purple Emperor butterfly, which is quite rare to see this far north of the country.
“We’re getting set to monitor some habitats by night too using high tech UV technology to monitor moth and butterfly populations. It is key to helping us ensure we safeguard the right habitats to help them thrive.”
Conservation is not an easy sector to move into, says the 28-year-old, and she feels privileged to have found her break.
“It is fantastic to work here and in an environment that actively empowers women in what has been traditionally a male-dominated profession.”
“We all work well together though and each brings something different to the team. Charlotte, our assistant ranger, is doing brilliant hands-on work, Grace is leading a new youth ranger initiative and I’m enjoying carrying out the wildlife surveys and leading visitor walks and sharing with them the work that we do.”
Rounding up their full-time team is Area Ranger Joe Swift, who is a specialist in woodland management and veteran trees and currently leading on a large-scale woodland initiative on the estate.
Together the team’s hands-on conservation efforts include vital habitat restoration of the Grade I listed parkland to the management of woodland and the protection of ancient trees. With the support of its volunteers, the rangers also take care of estate maintenance to enable visitors to follow the walks and trails through the landscape.
Visitors can see the team’s ongoing conservation work firsthand across the wider estate and explore its many walks and trails.
- For more information about the Hardwick Estate visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hardwick
