Great video mate thanks, I've had 10 years on the railway and looking for a career change - strongly considering Level 2 land & wildlife management course at college this September, going on to at least finish the Level 3 course as well. Ranger feels like a good job to aim for for myself, albeit my knowledge on all the possible jobs in the field is fairly limited as of now!
I’m currently studying A Levels (Sociology/English Lit and Lang) and have recently discovered this career, I’ve realised that being a Countryside Ranger encompasses everything I love about the outdoors. I want to go into that kind of work: I’ve never felt comfortable being with groups of people indoors, I get claustrophobic easily, and I am deeply passionate about the preservation/re-Wilding of the outdoors. My current plan is to volunteer with local wildlife-trusts for the next 2 years of A Level and then amp that up during my gap year, after that I wanna study Wildlife Conservation or Ecology at Aberystwyth however I’ll have to do Life Sciences beforehand due to my lacking science A Level study. This video has given me some very helpful tips including the knowledge that a foundation degree could be just as helpful as a full degree - as long as I’ve got the relevant prior work experience.
This is very helpful for me, thank you! I'm currently in college studying Geography and Environmental Science (and politics, but that's less relevant) at A-level. They offer countryside management at my college, but unfortunately it wasn't offered to me as my school pushed for me to do A-levels. This has helped me think about what I should do next.
Excellent video! I just have a couple of questions... I'm 21 and thinking of becoming a ranger. I completed all my GCSEs with the majority C and above and then went to sixth form for two years, after that I went to Uni and I am going to be finally graduating from my three year undergrad photography course next year. I know that none of this is in countryside management etc but is there any chance of becoming a ranger without doing a further apprenticeship or similar in countryside management or something? Would be great to hear your opinion!
ISOMedia hi, Thanks for the comment and a great question! 👍🏻 Yes you can still become a ranger without getting more degrees etc. Few options....you can either volunteer part time with someone like the National Trust to get experience. You will be ticking the degree box and experience box then. Other route is you go in as an educational Ranger or visitor assistance role and work up. Some county’s even have apprentice placement which is an excellent way in...but those are rare opportunities. Talk up your photography degree! That will be very useful when taking photos of wildlife. 👍🏻 for example you specialise in outdoor photography landscapes and wildlife for example. An excellent skill!! Hope that helps 😊
Gwenyn Gruffydd That sounds excellent! I’m so pleased with the positivity of your response, I live in North Norfolk and have been here my entire life so it would seem as though I have a few places to try out with the expanse of reserves and woodlands here. I will have to give it a go with some volunteering or something and see how it pans out. Thanks once again, it’s really helps 😊
Great informative video - thank you! I was wondering if you know any career-changers coming in from other fields getting jobs as rangers? I am 36 (yes I know - old!) and am an architectural technician in a desk job but I've always wanted to work outside in an environmental role but never had the courage or opportunity to leave my career. I have however for the past 2 years volunteered with a local community group managing local nature reserves and green spaces. Was wondering if it's too late to get into this field or if I should try get that training you mentioned and take chance.
Thanks Andreas, No I don’t think it’s to old. You’ve obviously got loads of work experience being a architectural technician and volunteering in a local nature reserve. I would say start applying for the jobs see what happens, and if your unsuccessful ask for feedback to see what you could add to your CV.
Great video. I've been looking at ways to get a job related to conservation/nature and it seems you need a degree for everything. I find it so frustrating. I studied mechanical engineering and regret now not doing something biological. Are there other options?
Thanks 😊 Yes, there are always other routs. You will need to train on the practical side of it. Get your chainsaw and brush cutter papers and try to go in that way. Mechanical engineering is an amazing skill set!!
Hi Great video! Really informative! ..my question is - is 35 too old to begin training/studying to become a ranger? Preferably with an organisation like the national/woodland trust. I have always felt at home in the outdoors and have previously volunteered for the national trust on a number of occasions. Recently, I decided to go for it, and have enrolled in a 3 year BSc environmental management course. By the time I graduate I'll be 38!! Am I wasting my time? Thanks.
Hi!! Well don’t on taking the jump!! 😊 And the answer is absolutely not!! The retirement age is 65. So say you started a ranger job at 38 you will be working for another 27 years!! That’s a major part of your life, and if you want to become a ranger then you should go for it!! 😁👍🏻👍🏻
Great video, Do you think it is possible to get into this career with a foundation degree in Horticulture? I've been a volunteer ranger with NT for 1 year and Im completing botanical training. im considering completing chainsaw liscense and a level 2 countryside and enviroment city and guilds, this career seems to suit my personality well which I found out through volunterring and would like to make it a career. Thanks.
Hi, and thank you 😊 Absolutely! Horticulture foundation degree would be fine. Especially if you have your chainsaw tickets to go with it. The year as a volunteering will go very far too! That will be a big tick in the box. Wishing you all the best 😊 Gruff
I think it would be better for young students to volunteer in countryside roles for free, rather than working normal jobs for a fraction of what an adult would get paid because of their age.
@@gwenyngruffydd Last year it was a bit of a disappointing turn out due to the snow. Suppose its a bit of a drive to Coventry for you. We have joined the bee farmers association so looking forward to their meeting that is held there.
Beekeeping UK you will enjoy the BeeFarmers. Great bunch of people, very knowledgeable and happy to help. Their bee insurance is worth joining for alone. I might see you there! 👍🏻
