Emma is the new Ranger for Preston Park.
What is it you enjoy about the work?
What don’t I like about my job! I particularly like the enthusiasm of the people I work with, colleagues and public alike. I feel we’re all working towards a common aim – sounds cheesy but it’s true.
What do you feel are your contributions to the park?
Not a lot at the moment because I’ve only been the Preston Park Ranger for a couple of months. Right now I’m enjoying gathering information from park-goers and the Friends group and getting a feel for the park.
What do you think are the best things about the park?
Well, the variety of activities and the variation of ways in which people enjoy the space. I love the wide open space of the park as well as its areas of wood. It’s one of the most important parks in the city – the gateway park really. It provides so much enjoyment on so many different levels. And don’t forget I grew up around the park – I spent my childhood here so I’m really very fond of it.
What are your ambitions for the park?
I’d like to see some work in the wild area near Preston Manor, and more work with wildflowers – perhaps the area of wildflowers could be extended. I’d like to see more information in the park about its colourful history. My interest is working with the community so I’d like to see as many people as possible involved in the park – it’s the people’s open space.