New patrol service introduced by Fylde Council for great outdoors

Three conservation rangers, a conservation operative and a coastal patrol officer have been appointed to work in Fylde’s parks, open spaces, coast and countryside.

Part of the funding has been met by planning gain money and the Environment Agency.

Their aim is to safeguard the local wildlife, residents and visitors in all Fylde’s natural assets, including the sand dunes.

Responsibilities will include daily patrols of the area, wildlife habitat improvement projects and helping to deliver key environmental schemes.

In addition, the new rangers will be involved in community projects ranging from environmental education with local schools to developing guided walks and other outdoor activities.

They will also be encouraging people to get involved outdoors through the development of environmental volunteer programmes including a volunteer ranger service, volunteer beach wardens and a junior rangers club.

Fylde Council leader Coun Susan Fazackerley said: “The scope of our new ranger and coastal patrol service is wide and far-reaching.

“I think that before long we will wonder what we did before the appointment of the new team.

“They have a hugely important remit and I’m sure residents and visitors alike will benefit from their activities”.

The quintet

The rangers are Philip Edmondson, Fraser Monteath and Andy Mills, conservation operative Hilary Salkeld and coastal patrol officer Chris Leigh