I have been working as a Ranger within the Wyre Forest District Council for some fourteen years and over this time have found it to be exceptionally rewarding watching the nature reserves change and improve as the management works start to have an effect.

I have learned many of the wildlife secrets these reserves hold, but I am still discovering new ones even now and it is these that make the job so interesting.

I don't think I could describe any one-day as being boring as there is such a wealth of things to be involved with.

I believe I am exceptionally fortunate and my heart goes out to all those people who try to get into this field, as there are just so few jobs available.

It is not everyone's cup of tea, however. For starters, it is frequently a fairly hectic job and not the carefree relaxing job some people envisage as many of the tasks have to be managed on a tight schedule.

Then there are the reserves themselves, which to visitors can often come across as idyllic and lovely places, but nearly all of them have a slightly unpleasant side to them, which you notice when you are working on them. In general there is always mud, mud and more mud.

I can't remember the last time I did not have at least some mud on me. The problem is that you get used to it and unlike other people, you only notice when you are really coated in the stuff.

Then of course, there are biting things - mosquitoes, horseflies, ticks and particularly irritating this autumn, assassin bugs.

Even in the winter things bite. Recent bites include multiple midge bites and bizarrely a water spider, which did my finger no good for quite a few days and then Jo, a colleague, was bitten by an adder.

What on earth this was doing at large during this time of year I cannot imagine.

Then there are all those stinging things - wasps, hornets, not forgetting stinging nettles, which on some of the wetland reserves have a sting at least on par with a wasp.

Last, but not least, there are those prickly things. I can't ever remember having a day when I've not been cut or scraped by the thorns of bramble, blackthorn or worse still roses.

However, the most disheartening aspect of the whole job for me, is not the fact I can't sleep at night because the previous day's stings are itching too much. It's seeing patches of wonderful wildlife habitat that has had real effort put into conserving it, being burnt or damaged for no discernible reason.

If despite all these irritations you still feel this is the sort of life you are looking for then it will be an uphill task.

Usually, you will need some sort of qualification in an environmental subject, but most importantly you will need to get some experience of working in this field either voluntarily or paid if you can get it.

The Wyre Forest District Council Ranger Service has a few seasonal jobs available that will be advertised during Easter and they have helped quite a few people get a foot on the ladder, but even these are hard fought over. So if you are interested and thinking of applying, good luck.