Ahead of the retirement of Warden Steve Budden, the Commons Conservators are advertising for a new ‘Ranger’ for Tunbridge Wells and Rusthall Commons – the combined jewel in the crown of the area.
Under the new title of Ranger, the applicant will have huge boots to fill as Steve is in charge of a total of 256 acres that hundreds of dog walkers, families and others have found even more important since the advent of the pandemic.
The Commons, a Geological Conservation Review site, includes woodland, grassland, scrub, restored heathland, sandstone rock outcrops, ponds, two cricket pitches and tracks for exploring it all.
Wellington Rocks, Toad Rock, the Queen’s Grove and Happy Valley are just four of the top spots.
The Ranger will advise and guide on land management, contribute to strategy and projects, and plan and monitor the impact on nature conservation as the Commons are a designated Local Wildlife Site.
The job description also includes managing contractors and volunteers, health and safety, the monitoring and enforcement of bylaws, engaging with the community, and administrative tasks.
“No two days will be the same,” the Conservators promise.
Steve Budden became Warden in 1992 after the great storm of 1987 destroyed so many trees and pathways. The land was then owned by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.
It is now owned by private property company Targetfollow, who also run The Pantiles.
“After the storm, the Conservators had a big survey done by the Kent Wildlife Trust, who drew up the Management Plan that we are still following to this day, and I was hired to implement it,” said Steve, 67. “They say it’s an ill wind that doesn’t blow any good but the hurricane certainly did me some good!”
He said his replacement ‘needs to be self-motivated, and able to think on their feet because you just don’t know what you are going to be confronted with.
“It’s a very strange and wonderful job. I feel privileged to have done it for all this time.”
It will be 30 years to the day when Steve finally retires this June, after his previous plan to hang up his boots was put on hold by the increased use of the Commons during the lockdowns, as reported in the Times last April.
Looking to the future, Steve said: “I can’t see the Commons going back to the level of usage that they had before Covid. And although part of me wishes it was quieter for the wildlife, the other part of me thinks it’s fantastic because the more people who know and love the Commons the safer they will be in the future, because inevitably there will be lots of increasing pressures.
“We have more and more housing, people and cars. So I can see the potential for a lot of problems for the Commons to stand up against, therefore the more people who love the Common the better.
“There are a lot of challenges for whoever takes over. But there are a lot of good things going on as well.”
Steve says he is pleased to be slowly regaining some of the heathland to provide wildlife with a steppingstone as part of a region-wide plan to boost biodiversity. “I would have loved to have seen grazing back here as well, but that is difficult,” he said. “And I am very proud the Common remains a safe place for everyone to use.”
Steve plans to move to the Wye Valley when he goes.
“I wish whoever takes over the very best of luck,” he said. “Although I will be there at the end of a computer mouse or a phone to give any information or help if needed!.”
REQUIREMENTS TO BE A RANGER
THE JOB to look after Tunbridge Wells and Rusthall Commons has a starting salary of £28,000, and the Conservators require the following:
- A qualification in land management, ecology, conservation, or another relevant field. In exceptional cases this may be varied.
- Significant experience working in conservation or land management. Tree management and heathland management experience would be an advantage.
- Understand the ecology and urban context of the Commons and how to manage them to optimise their value for people and wildlife.
- Strong inter-personal skills, good communication skills, both verbal and written. Community outreach and familiarity with social media would be an advantage.
- Ability and willingness to develop expert knowledge of the geography, history, natural history, wildlife, usage patterns, and legal and management context of the Commons.
- Project management experience including planning and execution, supervising contractors and volunteers, managing budgets.
- A UK driving licence.
- Current first aid certificate (or willingness to undertake training).
The full job description and details on how to apply are available at: twcommons.org/ranger-recruitment
