When did you first gain a love of the outdoors?I have always been an outdoor kind of person. I was a member of the Girl Guide Association as a Brownie then right through to a leader and most weekends were spent camping, hiking and working.

What course did you do and what did you get out of it?
I signed up for a BTEC National Diploma in Countryside Management in September 2004 and haven't looked back
My course taught me many countryside crafts, from dry stone walling to hedgelaying, tree coppicing, horticulture, environmental and conservation issues. It was a very wide ranging and diverse course.
My work placement was at Oakwell Hall and I worked weekends in the Countryside Centre and was a casual ranger.

What is your job and what does it entail?
I am the garden ranger at Oakwell Hall. My main duties are the up-keep and development of the gardens at the hall. As an historical site it is important the plants we source for the formal gardens are of the period of the hall. So there is a lot of research. I also run events and activities.

How does it compare to your previous job?
There is no comparison to my previous job as a chef and catering manager. One was indoors upward of 12 hours a day and now I am outdoors in the countryside.
There are links though, as my food knowledge can link to other events and activities that I do now with the allotments.

What is the best thing about your job?
Driving up the drive to work thinking how lucky I am.


What would you say to anyone else thinking of making a similar career change?
Go ahead and do it. Life's too short. The Countryside Management course, along with the support of Oakwell Hall, was invaluable for me. Test the water and see if you like it by volunteering.