Meet the Team – Rhiannon Bartley

I was looking forward to meeting Rhiannon again, one of the Loggerheads based ranger team, who’s always so cheerful and welcoming. I well remember seeing her on one occasion helping to reposition a large gate at Bwlch Pen Barras, hard physical work which required very solid foundations. It underlined the versatility required for her role in our NL, and which she was carrying out in her usual good humour. We met over a coffee in the garden at Loggerheads and this is how our conversation went :-

Usual first question – how did it all start?

I’m a local girl, born and brought up in the Wrexham area, and I’ve always enjoyed the natural world and my local surroundings. Although I enjoyed horse riding, going to guides, camping and walking up the hills and castles of North Wales, I didn’t realise there was an educational option for Countryside Management when I first left school.

What changed?

Just before lockdown, I researched the City & Guilds Countryside Management course at Coleg Cambria Llysfasi and fell in love with the course. I left my job at a local call centre and spent the next 9 months volunteering with the Wildlife Trust, Ty Pawb, Groundwork and any environmental organisation that would have me to build my experience before the course began in September.

I can’t speak highly enough about the course and the way in which it was run – it really hit all the spots for me. I particularly appreciated that the practical side of things was given due weight, properly supporting the academic basis of my studies.

What happened next?

Whilst on the course, I was put into contact with a local conservation company, ELM (Environmental Land Management, Llay) where I completed my work experience. This opportunity provided me with experience in woodland management, amphibian conservation, access to the countryside and numerous practical skills which I brought to my current role in the National Landscape.

The bonus was that, through the course and employment, I was able to acquire what we know as “tickets” – the ability to train in the use of various kinds of specialist machinery and gain accreditation for using them – very useful in my current role. I realised then that working in the natural environment was how I saw my future direction.

When I qualified I saw an advert for a temporary ranger post with the then AONB and, with my usual optimism, applied. I was both surprised and delighted to be taken on and pinch myself everyday that I’m lucky enough to have my dream job.

Tell me more about your current role

It’s a bit of everything really and it’s the sheer variety that I like best. We have a great team and we learn from each other all the time through our different backgrounds and interests that come into play. One of my favourite parts of the job is managing access by keeping paths clear, signage visible and installing stiles and gates as this combines physical skills, connecting people to the landscape, all while finding new paths to walk. Developing wider knowledge and skills is an ongoing thing and I’ve come to appreciate just how interesting our flowering plants are. I’m learning more about them every day through plant surveys and walking our sites.

Then there’s the work we do in tandem with our wonderful volunteers. That’s another part of the job I really enjoy. Some of them have been involved for many years now and it’s a privilege to work alongside them. I work closely with the Volunteer Rangers and I couldn’t ask for a better group of people to work with and learn from.

If yourself, or anyone you know, is interested in becoming a volunteer for the National Landscape, please get in contact. We have so many opportunities across our sites in the range, from Llangollen to Prestatyn, so please don’t hesitate to grab a volunteer programme and join in the fun! My email address is, rhiannon.bartley@denbighshire.gov.uk

I’m always conscious of the temporary status of many of our posts and the uncertainty that creates – can I ask about your current status?

I have had my initial contract extended but I am still temporary and it does bring an element of uncertainly into things. The team is always working hard to achieve additional funding from many sources though and with a great deal of success. I’m optimistic about the future and certainly see continuing working in our National Landscape as my way forward at the moment. Hopefully there will be plenty of opportunities, particularly with current discussions regarding a national park hinting at new possibilities on the horizon. There’s plenty to do in the meantime, managing the sites whilst the planned improvements get underway at Loggerheads and Moel Famau.

What about away from work?

I currently live in Llangollen with my partner, Dominic, and it’s a great place to be. We both love all sorts of outdoor activities – climbing, skating, and walking to name just three! – and we are very settled in the area.

Usual final question – what’s your favourite spot in our national landscape?

I’m going to have to join the list of people who’ve chosen Pen y Cloddiau. I love It there and it’s totally understandable why it’s such a popular pick! Although I also have to mention Pen-Y-Pigyn in Corwen!