From bricks to branches (From Stroud News and Journal)

From bricks to branches

A YOUNG Welshman who was warned not to pursue a career in conservation has landed his dream job in Stroud.

Richard Evans, from Llanelli, has been made warden for Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons despite being told at school to find a different career.

As a teenager the 28-year-old was sent on a brick laying placement to discourage him from working with the environment.

He ended up studying History and Fine Art but still harboured a passion for the outdoor life.

Richard said: "It's always been in my blood.

"I'm from a small town on the south west coast of Wales and I've always loved the countryside.

"This was something I really wanted to do but they discouraged me at school because they said there was no money in it."

Richard was sent brick laying after he said he wanted to work outside.

But after graduating from Gloucestershire University in 1997, he followed his heart.

"I was given the chance to do a National Trust training course and work as a volunteer warden," he said. "And I really enjoyed it."

He worked at the Dinefwr Park Estate in Carmarthenshire and won an award for being the top Careership student in 2002.

Based at Ebworth, he is now responsible for properties including the two commons and Newark Park in Wotton-under-Edge. He said: "It's great to be back in this area.

"And the trust has a good partnership with local people. "

Richard took over from South Cotswolds warden Paul Hill, who left to join the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust in October.

He will work alongside fellow new employee Philip Maxwell, the South Gloucestershire team's first ever forester.

Phil, 24, from Belfast, will ultimately be responsible for 600 hectares of woods at Ebworth, in the heart of the Cotswolds Commons and at Beechwoods Nature Reserve.

It is his first job after leaving Edinburgh University.

His course included a year working for the Forestry Commission in Morayshire, Scotland.

He said: "It's really nice to be here. There are so many hills and dales. "Before I came I thought all that finished in Derbyshire."

Phil hopes to continue in the vein of John Workman, responsible for local woodlands until his 1987 retirement. Phil and Richard both live in Cheltenham.

Other recent additions to the National Trust team include belted Galloway herd manager Matt Stanway and Woodchester Park, Haresfield Beacon and Coaley Peak warden David Armstrong.