Ranger Service
Countryside Ranger Service - Healey Dell Nature Reserve
The Team is multi skilled and is responsible for the day to day maintenance of the Reserves, litter picking, removal of fly tipped rubbish, maintenance of paths, gates, furniture, management of trees and habitat areas.
Educational visits with schools and interest groups are organised, offering pond dipping, river studies, tree and wild flower walks and bug hunts. Talks are delivered on the history and ecology of the Dell and walks appealing to the afternoon stroller as well as the more adventurous fifteen mile plus, hardened walkers are undertaken as part of the Annual Event Program.
Although the Ranger Team have specific site responsibilities, they are all familiar with other sites and Friends Groups, working and communicating on major tasks and projects, pooling skills and resources to ensure that the job gets done to the highest standard.
The wider Team including Rangers from Hollingworth Lake on the North side of Rochdale. All have been involved in the creation and implementation of Reserve Management Plans and monitoring programs. Rochdale MBC Countryside Services has qualified and been awarded 'The Forest Management Certificate' by the Forest Stewardship Council to organisations meeting the requirements of a well managed Forest.
The Ranger Office is very much a working building and although we try to open during the week as much as possible, there are times when all Staff will be engaged on duties which result in the Office being closed. Although we do not offer Visitor Centre facilities, the Office is not suitable for disability access, there are toilets available on the first floor and information leaflets available from the Office or by post.
The Ranger Service work very closely with 'Friends Groups' and other local Community Groups to provide better 'access for all', knowledge of the local countryside, clean ups, surveys, socials and fun activites. Constructive criticism, practical help and sustained unfailing support from the Friends Groups have proven them to be an indispensable group of people. The Groups are highly respected within the Service and have involved themselves in every aspect of countryside management. They have helped to finance many desperately needed improvements to their local countryside areas through their tireless and innovative persuit of Grant Funding. These special projects have greatly benefited the wider community.
Ranger Staff based at Healey Dell:
- Richard Whittle has over 10 years experience as a Ranger with responsibility for Healey Dell and liason with the Friends of Healey Dell.
- Dave Hogg has over 26 years, experience working in the Countryside. Although Dave has responsibility for The Roch Valley between Rochdale and Heywood he is based at Healey Dell and works closely with Richard.
- Terry Costigan has also over 26yrs experience and has responsibility for Hopwood Woods and liason with the Friends of Hopwood Woods at Middleton.
- Richard Convey, has over four years experience as a Ranger in the Roch Valley and Alkrington Woods Middleton.
- Sue Southward, Chief Ranger for Healey Dell and South Rochdale, has been with the authority over 22 years, working in Parks and Countryside Management and for the last 13 years based at the Ranger Office at Healey Dell.
Healey Dell Ranger Office
Healey Dell Local Nature Reserve,
Ranger Office,
Unit 34 Healey Hall Mills,
Shawclough,
Rochdale,
OL12 6BG.
Tel: 01706 350459 (Answer phone when Ranger Staff not available)
e-mail:
web site: www.healeydell.org.uk
Office hours: Monday - Friday 9.00am- 4.30pm
Weekend by appointment.
