Sid Vale Association funded volunteer becomes full time National Trust Ranger

A volunteer trainee ranger who was funded by the Sid Vale Association’s Keith Owen Fund has become a permanent countryside ranger with the East Devon National Trust team.

Lucy Buckingham started as a trainee at the end of June 2014 and funding covered practical management work, community projects, events and public engagement and certificates in power tool use and first aid. After the completion of her training she became a seasonal ranger in April 2015 before being appointed to her new role this month.

Peter Blyth, Head Ranger says, ‘Lucy will now be running the scheme in which she started out, which is a fantastic endorsement for a project which sets out to train a young person to a career in caring for the countryside. The Sid Vale Association also very generously supported a three year program of work in the Sidmouth area, and Lucy will be overseeing this work.’

The National Trust owns and manages 2000 acres of coast and countryside in East Devon and the Sid Vale Association was established in 1846 as a charity for conservation and heritage in the Sid Valley. The region has benefited through the action and support of volunteers who have been conscientious in maintaining high standards in land management of woods and meadows, and the monitoring of rural footpaths for appropriate maintenance.

Chris Woodruff of the Sidmouth Vale Association says, ‘We are pleased to hear of Lucy’s success and we are proud to continue our funding with the National Trust who are currently training the fourth Sid Vale Associate volunteer Ranger, Griselda. Keith Owen loved the countryside, in particular the unspoilt beauties of the Sid Valley and it was one of his wishes that the Fund should be used to support and encourage conservation in the countryside. He was very keen to promote voluntary work.’

Lucy, who starts her new role on November 19th says, ‘Thanks to the Sid Vale Association I was given a great opportunity to gain training and experience whilst also helping to conserve this beautiful area in which I live. I would like to thank the SVA for their support and offer of funding which has now enabled me to become a full-time Countryside Ranger.’

Pete Blyth is looking forward to the next volunteer ranger starting in the summer of 2016. ‘We will be recruiting for our next trainee in March, but anyone interested should get in touch to find out more. We hope the scheme will continue for many years to come, and give other young people the start they need in countryside management.