Ian Dobson played in Lister Park as a child... now he's promoting Bradford's historic open space, ensuring it retains its award-winning status.

Best Park in Britain, Green Flag, a national standards award backed by the Government and the Yorkshire in Bloom Tourist Gold award are awards council employees like Ian, who work in the park, can be proud of.

Team effort goes a long way in keeping Lister Park in tip top condition.

Although Ian's background is in horticulture - he studied the subject at Shipley College in preparation for his first job as a golf course greenkeeper - his duties no longer involve cutting grass or tending flowers. He leaves that to the maintenance teams who share his rural workplace.

Promoting the park is Ian's remit. He is responsible for encouraging schools, community groups and residents to take advantage of the parkland, a short bus ride from Bradford city centre.

Lister Park is an annual venue for a fair and, for the past three years, has been a stomping ground for the thousands of runners who take part in Cancer Research's mammoth Race for Life fundraiser.

It plays host to other events, too, being a popular wedding venue and an educational setting for youngsters.

Bulb and tree planting initiatives and teddy bears picnics encourage local children to take ownership of the area and protect it for future generations to enjoy.

"It's getting them to realise it's part of their environment and that they need to look after it," says Ian.

Promoting tourism is another aspect of his job. More than a million visitors have been known to pass through the park gates in one year, "and that was a bad summer", according to Ian.

"When we picked up the Best Park in Britain award we noticed a lot of people coming from far and wide. It's a unique park because there's something for everyone. It isn't just a green space," he says.

Attractions in the park include the Mogul Gardens, a stunning water feature within the 56 acre grounds, Cartwright Hall, a platform for culture and the arts, a cafe, lake and botanical gardens.

At one time the park even boasted a lido, which Ian recalls visiting there as a child.

He didn't really know what he wanted to do when he left school but swayed toward horticulture. His mother sowed the seeds for his career when she took him to an open day at Shipley College, where he ended up studying horticulture and sports turf management for his initial post as a greenkeeper's apprentice at Queensbury Golf Club.

He moved round various golf courses and ended up working for Calderdale Council in the construction unit dealing with pesticide work and other aspects before being redeployed as a ranger.

Four years later Ian fancied a change. Still working for the council, he switched career to become a wedding coordinator, organising caterers and registrars. After more than three years of working unsociable hours he was on the move again, with his mum playing another instrumental part in the job he's doing now.

She tipped him off about the Lister Park ranger vacancy in a newspaper advertisement. He applied for the post and has worked there since.

"It's a very challenging job - you're never bored. There's always something going off event wise," says Ian.

"And it's a great environment. You do get a bit blase because you're here every day, but I love coming to work."

Good communication skills and a sense of humour are key qualities candidates need to be a park ranger, according to Ian.

  • For more information about a career in horticulture contact Shipley College on (01274) 327222.