Sunday Sit-Down with… Margaret Anderson

By Becky Hardy

Margaret Anderson has made history here in the North East. She had become the first female Head Ranger in Northumberland National Park’s 65-year history.

Margaret’s journey to the top began from childhood, growing up on a farm just on the edge of the Park and becoming immersed in all aspects of the rural community from an early age.

Having already worked at Northumberland National Park [NNP] in a number of different roles for 15 years now – including in administration, planning and volunteer coordination, as well as being a ranger since 2008 – Margaret will now be responsible for the management of the entire NNP ranger team. This team works to connect the Park with local farmers, residents and the public, all while making sure rights of way and visitor sites are both safe and accessible.

But as well as this, Margaret will take on the task of supporting the ongoing implementation of sustainable land management methods across the Park – something that promises to be both challenging and rewarding in equal measure. Something no doubt helped immensely by her energy, enthusiasm and obvious love for the great outdoors.

You recently helped Robson Green work along Hadrian’s Wall in his latest Channel 5 documentary – do you get a lot of celebrity visitors to NNP?! 

There could be loads of celebrities in the park and we’d never know due to the remoteness of the place! We’ve had some big names come and film in the Park though – Kevin Costner and Benedict Cumberbatch, for example. I’m sure they will have popped back for a more leisurely explore once filming finished…

What’s your favourite thing about your job? 

The fact that I get to work in a place I call home makes me so thankful. And the inspirational landscape and wonderful people who live and work in the Park make it an amazing place to work. I really like the practical aspect of the job – a hard day in the field building a bridge or doing some drainage work is a good day as far as I’m concerned.