Head Ranger, Ranger and Assistants
Our Head Ranger is called Alan Mitchell. Al and his assistants take care of the commons. They do a wonderful job of keeping the commons safe and accessible to all.
The skills required by the ranger and his assistants include many crafts, an example of these are carpentry, hedge laying, tree surgery, devon banking, and pothole repairs, to name just a few.
The role of the Rangers and Assistants
Spring & Summer Tasks
The summer jobs are mainly strimming paths, mowing grass areas and general repairs to seats, signs, rubbish bins, etc. The Tree Trail needs regular checking for vandalism, rot etc.
If we do not have rain in the summertime, Collinghams orchard need watering regularly. Another job that needs to be performed frequently is the checking of Commons Lake to make sure the water is flowing freely into the lake from the stream.
Spring and summer is also a time when we need to pull Japanese knot weed. Most of the areas affected by this have been cleared but bits still come and need removing before they take hold.
Winter Tasks
The winter jobs are cutting and clearing tree and scrub. Keeping views open from seats and vantage points and stopping sycamore from spreading. The drains along Rolle Road need to be checked frequently for blockages, and freed where required.
Everyday Tasks
Every Monday and Friday morning, the rubbish bins and dog waste bins must be emptied. In summertime we have more visitors with dogs, and this requires the dog waste bins to be emptied more frequently.
In the evenings and on Saturdays we mainly spend our time cleaning the tools, strimmers, chainsaws, etc.
The Ranger is on call for fallen trees across paths. Call the main number listed on this website.
Projects
The Ranger and his assistants work on many day to day jobs, but a lot of their time is spent working on projects. For example, projects completed in 2019 / 2020 include making and installing steps to provide access to the river for fishing, improving and replacing the path at the beginning of Furzebeam Wood, making and installing disability viewing points, making, repairing and installing new seats and benches and making and installing the new wooden signs across the commons. The ‘Signage’ project is on-going and when we have more funds available, we will continue to replace the old signs with these new ones.
Want to help the Ranger?
If you like working outside and enjoy the commons, Al is always interested in hearing from people that want to help even if you can only spare a little amount of time, you may be able to assist the Ranger and help keep the commons safe and accessible.
For further information call the main number at the top of this page and ask about helping the Ranger.