KEEN rambler Richard Pearce has been striding out to familiarise himself with his new working environment.
However, it is likely to take some time, as the chief recreation ranger with the Forestry Commission has 56,000 acres of woodland to get to know on the North York Moors.
The 28-year-old's duties will include supervising facilities for walkers, cyclists and horse-riders, visiting schools across the area, and helping to arrange events, such as rallies, in Dalby Forest.
Mr Pearce, who comes from Buckinghamshire, arrives from the Chilterns District, where he also worked for the Forestry Commission.
He said: "Compared with my previous patch, this is a huge district and I am really looking forward to exploring it on foot.
"I'll be working hard to maintain and develop the excellent visitor facilities which already exist and build on links with organisations such as the North York Moors National Park."
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