Funding from the Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage has helped South Somerset District Council appoint three new rangers who will help keep Ham Hill Country Park and its heritage protected and in tip-top shape for wildlife to thrive and visitors to enjoy.

The funding is a rescue package to safeguard cultural and heritage organisations across England from the economic impact of covid. Work at the park was greatly reduced during the pandemic, with two rangers having to be redeployed to covid-related work to support vulnerable residents for a long period of time.

Volunteers have also been restricted, leaving the park with no volunteers on site for about five months. This, says the council, “coupled with the last 12 months seeing the highest visitor numbers ever recorded at Ham Hill, has left the small ranger team depleted, with important work still needing to be done”.

Now extra cash has been secured SSDC has welcomed Ben, Edd and Izzy to the team at Ham Hill. They are already making a huge difference on site, working alongside the long- standing head ranger Paul McNeill. Over the next few months, they will help make sure that the most vulnerable habitats, wildlife, and the Iron Age hillfort itself are protected, and will also be working to repair damage to our path network so that visitors can safely access the country park.

Councillor Sarah Dyke, portfolio holder for environment, said: “Having Ben, Izzy, and Edd on board will mean we can continue to nurture and preserve the future of this much loved award-winning natural heritage site for both nature and people.”

Edd is engagement ranger and he will be developing ways to increase engagement with communities, stakeholders, and visitors. He will also assist with managing the site day to day and will work alongside the countryside team to help secure a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant for Ham Hill in 2022.

Izzy brings a wealth of experience from working as a warden in the East Devon and Dorset countryside. She said “I’m really looking forward to working at this great site and learning all about the fantastic wildlife that calls Ham Hill home.”

Ben has great knowledge of managing country parks from his previous role with the National Trust. Ben said: “I’m grateful for the chance to work for SSDC at Ham Hill. I grew up in Wiltshire surrounded by chalk grassland and iron age hill forts, and they are both very special to me.”

Head ranger Paul McNeil said: “We’re looking forward to working with three passionate conservationists, and excited about what we can achieve here at the country park over the coming months.”

Support Us

Thank you all so, so much for the love and appreciation you’ve shown us since we launched the New Blackmore Vale.

Please show your support and add a review on our Facebook page or on Google.