About The Town Magazine
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14 Sept 2026

Guardians of Beacon’s Wild Heart


Beacon Country Park is one of West Lancashire’s most treasured green spaces, welcoming around 300,000 visitors every year.

Behind its peaceful woodland, open spaces and well-used paths is a dedicated Ranger Service working year-round to care for the landscape.

With just four Rangers and one Assistant Ranger managing 16 sites covering 363 hectares, the team balances habitat management, tree planting and wildlife protection with maintaining paths, tackling invasive species, organising community events and responding to unexpected incidents.

The challenges continue to grow, from climate change and wildfires to litter and anti-social behaviour.

In response, the Rangers are creating more resilient habitats while protecting the area’s rich wildlife for future generations.

During 2025 volunteers contributed an incredible 3,724 hours across approximately 300 sessions, supporting conservation projects and helping care for local green spaces.

As the Ranger Service celebrates its 40th anniversary, Beacon Country Park stands as a reminder that parks don’t simply look after themselves. They thrive through the dedication of staff, volunteers and a community that values the natural spaces on its doorstep.

“We’re a small team, but we’re incredibly passionate about protecting our green spaces.”

Protecting Our Wild Spaces

Beacon Country Park welcomes around 300,000 visitors annually, while its Rangers work year-round to protect wildlife, habitats and the landscape for future generations.