30th July 2026
For World Ranger Day, Friday 31st July, we’re celebrating the people who dedicate their working lives to connecting communities with nature, protecting green spaces and inspiring the next generation. One of those people is Deadwater Valley Trust Community Ranger Julie Reid, whose journey to her dream career proves that it’s never too late to follow your passion.
On World Ranger Day, Julie’s story serves as a reminder that there is no single route into conservation. Sometimes the skills needed to become a great ranger are gained through unexpected experiences, diverse careers and years of determination.
From an early age, Julie knew she wanted to work outdoors with nature and young people, despite being discouraged from pursuing practical outdoor careers. After roles in retail, the food and drink industry, and childcare, she discovered Forest School through volunteering. Supported by bursary funding, she qualified as a Level 3 Forest School Leader before securing a role as a Community Ranger with Deadwater Valley Trust. The role of Community Ranger was the perfect fit.
Since joining the Trust, Julie has continued to invest in her professional development. In September 2023, she began a year-long Diploma in Practical Countryside Management at Merrist Wood College, further strengthening her skills and knowledge in conservation and land management.
Looking back, Julie believes every stage of her career helped prepare her for the role she holds today.
“The experiences and skills from my previous working life have given me everything I need to succeed,” she says. “There is always more to learn and I really love my job. It’s not just a job, it’s a passion.”
That passion shines through in the incredible variety of her work. No two days are ever the same. One day she might be representing Deadwater Valley Trust at a careers fair, inspiring young people to consider a future in the environmental sector. The next, she could be carrying out practical habitat management with a chainsaw or taking a box of bones and skulls into a local primary school to spark children’s curiosity about wildlife.
“My days never look the same,” she laughs
For Julie, that unpredictability is one of the most rewarding aspects of the job. As the seasons change, so do the landscapes she helps care for and the activities she delivers. Rain, mud and cold weather are all part of the experience.
“As long as you don’t mind getting wet and dirty sometimes, it’s a joy to be outside.”
She is also quick to credit the wider Deadwater Valley Trust team for their support.
“The team I have worked with at Deadwater Valley Trust are amazing and I couldn’t do my role without them.”
Julie works across a number of sites managed by Deadwater Valley Trust, including Hogmoor Inclosure in Hampshire, a nationally recognised greenspace that was recently awarded a Green Flag Award, the international quality mark for parks and green spaces. The site was also named Most Inclusive Site of the Year at the Land Trust Managing Partners Awards, recognising its accessible facilities, diverse programme of activities and commitment to ensuring everyone can connect with nature. Julie plays a key role in delivering engagement activities and helping to maintain the welcoming environment that has made Hogmoor Inclosure such a celebrated community asset.
Nearly eight years after joining Deadwater Valley Trust, Julie is finally doing the job she dreamed of as a teenager, and inspiring countless others to discover a love of nature along the way. Her dedication, enthusiasm and commitment to connecting people with the natural world embodies everything that World Ranger Day celebrates.