A RANGER that has served a National Trust estate for 40 years has retired.
Andrew Roberts, lead ranger for the Ysbyty Estate in Snowdonia, began in April 1983 as an assistant forester.
Andrew is now the Trust’s longest serving ranger in Wales and the fourth longest serving current ranger across the whole organisation.
Andrew single-handedly established a Celtic rainforest and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). His day-to-day wor leading the Ranger team includes caring for the Ysbyty Estate, conservation work and maintenance such as fencing and building walls, improving footpaths, managing trees, conserving habitats, and more.
But Andrew says the most important part of his role is listening, building trust, and being a part of the community.
Andrew said: “Community is such an important part of the role; I consider many tenants as good friends. We have a common goal, and so working well together is key. I’ve learned how important it is to listen and surround yourself with people you can learn from.”
“Farms and knowledge have been passed on through generations of families, and I've been fortunate enough to absorb some of this. Take place names for example, they are taught and passed down through generations of farmers, and over 40 years I’ve been lucky to learn most on the estate.”
Ysbyty Ifan, which came into the National Trust’s care in 1951, is the largest single estate that the Trust looks after and is important for both its natural and cultural value.
Just south Betws y Coed, the estate comprises more than 20,000 acres of magnificent uplands which fall within the boundaries of the Snowdonia National Park, spanning the Machno, Eidda and the Upper Conwy valleys. As well as dramatic river valleys, the Estate also includes the nationally important Migneint, a wild open moorland and deep-peat blanket bog. The relatively remote area is a Welsh-speaking heartland consisting of about 52 tenanted farms and 30 houses.
More than 30 tenants gathered together at the village hall in Ysbyty Ifan to bid their farewell Andrew in September.
Andrew added: “I would like to thank all the tenants, past and present for their support of the years, there’s been many jobs that wouldn’t have been possible without them, but more so my 40 years wouldn’t have been so enjoyable.
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“I’m grateful to the Trust for supporting my career and giving me the opportunity to make a difference on the Ysbyty Estate. I couldn’t have imagined doing anything else and it’ll be hard to let it go, but I’ll always have a connection with the people and places of Ysbyty.”
At just 21 years old and in his first months as an Assistant Forester at Ysbyty Ifan, Andrew planted an oak woodland at Coed Bron Rhyffydd, just off the A5 near Glan Conwy.
A few miles down the road, towards Betws y Coed, Andrew planted another oak woodland the following year, which has now been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), as an extension to Fairy Glen Woods.
Planting a total of 7,000 trees across 8.6 acres, he’s watched and cared for these woodlands over the past 40 years. On his final week with the Trust, Andrew visited both of these woodlands only to find polypody ferns growing on some of the trees which is one of the key indicators of a Celtic rainforest
Andrew also cares for the 29 Welsh mountain ponies grazing between Ffridd Tŷ Coch (also known as Ffridd Iwerddon) and Ysgwifrith. Since introducing the ponies in 2018, the habitats in Ysgwifrith have transformed, with a reduction in molinia (purple moor-grass) which has allowed a greater variety of plants such as heather and bilberry to thrive.
Trystan Edwards, general manager for Snowdonia, National Trust Cymru, said: “Andrew leaves a terrific legacy on the Ysbyty Estate, and from a conservation perspective it is in far better condition now than when he started his mission. But his real success has to be in the way he’s managed to do this in conjunction with our tenants and by bringing value to the community.
"His work isn’t over though – he can focus on his own flock of sheep now and help gathering – both great passions in his life.”
National Trust Cymru is now advertising for a successor as Lead Ranger for the Ysbyty Estate. The role is paid £30,000pa.
Trystan added: “This role is a fantastic opportunity for someone who’s an inspirational leader and a passionate, experienced nature conservationist.
“You’ll be leading and supporting your team of Rangers to deliver practical maintenance and conservation work across the estate; from fencing and dry-stone walling to tree safety, tree planting, and peatland restoration. We’re looking for a people person with a heart for the Ysbyty community, and you’ll share our conservation work with a wide range of people through events, guided walks and more.”
For more information on the role and how to apply, go to www.nationaltrustjobs.org.uk and search for IRC127829. Closing date November 6.
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