What it’s like to be a National Park ranger

Published: 31 July 2026

To celebrate World Ranger Day, we wanted to know what it’s really like to be a National Park ranger. Hayden Bridgeman is a Ranger Team Leader for the Peak District National Park Authority, she shares with us what her job looks like, with a few things which might surprise you…

What drew you to becoming a ranger? 

I never set out to be a ranger – growing up I didn’t know you could work in the outdoors, so when I started volunteering for conservation organisations, I got the bug! I loved the opportunity to be outdoors, to connect with people about nature and wildlife and really feel like I am making a difference to protecting the environment.

What’s been your favourite moment as a ranger to date? 

Ah, it’s difficult to have just one! There are a couple of favourites. The first is seeing someone experience something in nature for the first time. Being out in nature is special and getting to share in someone seeing a new species or discovering a new walk is really exciting for me. The second is always when Spring finally arrives! I love the sunshine, so when you get those first crisp, cold, sunny mornings and get to be outside again and not wet through is always something I look forward to. (Oh! And whenever I see a slow worm!!)

Hayden and the ranger team at the Peak District

Is there anything that has surprised you in your job? 

How much talking to people I do!

I think the common misconception of rangering is that we are in the wilderness on our own somewhere. But rangering today is all about communicating with lots of different people, whether it’s helping with directions; talking to people about not having BBQ’s; pointing out what wildlife is nearby; promoting responsible use of the countryside; leading a guided walk; talking to landowners about rights of way; delivering engagement events for families – it’s a whole lot of talking and I don’t think people always realise!

What do you wish more people knew about your role? 

I wish more people knew just how skilled and varied the role of a Ranger really is. We are the link between people and the landscape, speaking up for nature while helping others connect with and care for it. We understand how fragile these habitats are, but we also know how to communicate their importance to everyone, whether they’re first-time visitors, local communities or regular park users.

No two days are the same. One minute we might be repairing a fence or hanging a gate, and the next we’re diffusing a difficult situation, like explaining why someone can’t have a BBQ in a protected area. We need practical skills, local knowledge, patience, empathy, resilience and good judgement, often all in the same day.

Above all, Rangers care deeply about the places we look after. We don’t just work in these landscapes—we’re passionate about protecting them and helping people enjoy them responsibly, so they’ll still be thriving for generations to come.

Hayden at work during the heatwaves

If people want to support their local National Park what should they do? 

Everyone really can do their bit to support their local national park – whether it’s leaving your BBQ at home, taking your rubbish with you or using public transport instead of bringing your car – all these decisions play a big part in supporting nature and our protected landscapes.

But most of all – have fun! Come and explore and enjoy! And be sure to say hello to the rangers when you see us!