The Elan Valley Countryside Ranger Service works on behalf of Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water and The Elan Valley Trust to help visitors to the Elan Estate enjoy and appreciate the countryside and to protect and conserve the area's rich plant and animal life.

The area of the Elan Estate is 180 square kilometres; it has 12 Sites of Special Scientific Interest, a National Nature Reserve and many rare species of animal and plant. It attracts more than 400,000 visitors per year. The work of an Elan Valley Countryside Ranger is therefore very varied and generally comes under four headings:

• Looking after and repairing existing footpaths and recreation areas.

• Opening up and creating new paths and trails.

• Practical wildlife conservation management.

• Keeping picnic areas, rivers, reservoir shores and roadsides free from litter.

• Carrying out a programme of ecological surveys of individual species and complete habitats.

• Information gathered through this work is used not only by us but by a number of other organisations including the Countryside Council for Wales, the British Trust for Ornithology and the Mammal Society.

• Leading and assisting schools and colleges with their environmental work and visits to the Estate.

• Leading guided walks, wildlife and family events, giving talks and lectures.

• Research and production of interpretive materials such as leaflets, displays and interpretative panels.

• Looking after the Visitor Centre exhibition and audio visual programmes.

• Replying to enquiries about the Elan Valley. Providing advice, suggestions and information to the public and institutions.

• Looking after all of the wildlife, the 12 SSSIs and the 800 hectare Claerwen National Nature Reserve.

• Patrolling of the Estate so as to protect the water supply and prevent illegal and damaging activities.

The Countryside Rangers are based at the Visitor Centre all year round and are happy to deal with any enquiries you may have. Please feel free to drop in at our office, or call us on (01597) 810880.

Our team includes an Environmental Education Ranger who can assist with any educational visits to the Estate, from offering information and advice for your own self-guided visit, to providing Ranger-led activities and tours. Click here for further information about our education programmes or telephone the Education Ranger on (01597) 810390.

Map of the Elan Estate