ONE of Worcestershire’s Severn Trent River Rangers has been thrown into the spotlight to highlight their important work in protecting the region’s waterways.
River Rangers play an important role in helping to keep rivers healthy. They monitor conditions, carry out inspections, manage issues, and work closely with communities to protect the habitats of local wildlife.
Randall Smith, a ranger who covers Worcestershire, Birmingham, Warwickshire and South Staffordshire has shared what a typical day looks like in the role.
The Ranger’s day begins early, and the first task of the day is to review the weather forecast. Rain can have a big impact, causing river levels to rise quickly, so this must be considered when planning the day’s inspections.
Once the ranger has a clear picture of what the day holds, it’s time to head out. The first task typically involves inspecting outfalls from Severn Trent’s network, the points where drainage systems release water into the river. As part of inspections to check everything is working as it should they look for visual clues, listen for any unusual sounds, and most importantly, take in the surrounding smells.
Randall Smith, said: “After a while, you can just tell when something’s not right. It’s a skill you develop over time, and it’s important for when we see a problem before it becomes an issue.”
If the Ranger finds something unusual during the check, they conduct an ammonia test to see if there’s anything we don’t want present in the water.
Testing for it helps to gather concrete evidence that can then start an investigation into what’s going on.
Even though these inspections are routine, they are critical to maintaining the health of the river and the different species that live in them.
Randall added: “I’ve learned to spot the signs quickly. The quicker we can identify issues, the better we can address them.
“In the River Severn alone, we have 27 varieties of fish such as Pike, Salmon, Bream, Carp, Trout, Chub, Barbel and Perch and even otters, so it’s important to us we do our bit to keep their habitats safe and clean.”
One of the most rewarding aspects of the job is the opportunity to engage with local communities and environmental groups.
Over the years, Randall has built strong relationships with residents, volunteers, and river users, ensuring that the public understands the importance of river health.
Throughout the day, Randall works closely with other environmental agencies, local authorities, and fellow River Rangers. The teamwork is key to ensuring that we all work together to make sure the river’s health is continuously monitored. This work can range from things such as river clean-ups and community outreach initiatives.
At the end of each day, the Randall reflects on the work completed, whether it’s identifying a pollution source or meeting with local groups.
Randall added: “The best part of the job is knowing that I’m not just monitoring water levels or looking for problems. I’m part of something bigger – a community effort to protect something vital for future generations.
“Every day feels like we’re taking a step closer to making sure these rivers are healthy and protected for years to come.”
Severn Trent’s River Rangers cover a broad area, from Staffordshire along the River Trent to Gloucestershire along the River Severn, and many other waterways in between.
