Countryside Ranger Ray recognised with award

Published: Wednesday, 18th September 2024

Ray Froud, a member of the Council’s Countryside team for the past 37 years, has been honoured with a long service award from the Royal Forestry Society.

Ray started with Sevenoaks District Council in 1987, helping to clear felled trees in Farningham Woods after the great storm. He went on to become the Senior Ranger managing all of the Council’s countryside sites.

Over the years, Ray has dealt with many challenges, including Ash Dieback and the first nationally reported case of Oriental Chestnut Gall Wasp in Farningham Woods.

Ray also worked to improve local facilities, managing the building of the Ranger’s Lodge and car park at Shoreham woods.

But under Ray’s stewardship, the Council’s countryside sites have become a haven for wildlife, including rare and endangered species.

Thanks to Ray, coppicing is now employed across most Council woodland sites. The ancient management technique involves cutting trees at their base so new shoots can grow. This opens up land to sunlight, allowing a wide range of plants to flourish. This then creates more habitats supporting a much greater diversity of species.

The soil is also disturbed during coppicing, rejuvenating the seed bank. Thanks to this approach, one Council run site is now home to one of the largest populations of the rare Deptford Pink, a striking native wildflower that has been in decline for decades.

Ray says: “Managing our countryside sites has evolved during my time at the Council. When I first came here, they were managed largely for the benefit of people. But in recent years, there’s been a greater emphasis on supporting nature too.

“I feel very fortunate to have such a great team around me and to be working for a Council that is committed to supporting nature.”

Cllr Irene Roy, Sevenoaks District Council’s Cabinet Member for Cleaner and Greener, adds: “Ray’s contribution has been immense and this prestigious award is well deserved. One cannot help but admire and learn from his enthusiasm, passion and knowledge. The District is incredibly fortunate to have Ray managing its precious countryside sites.”

For more information about the Council’s Countryside sites, visit www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/countryside.