David (54) is based at Springburn Park and is also responsible for the upkeep of all the other parks in the area.

How long have you worked as a Park Ranger?
I have worked here since 1991, so 17 years.

How did you get into working as a Park Ranger?
I worked for the housing department for Glasgow City Council and I always said that if the job for Park Ranger came up it would be one I would always go for.
Thankfully when it did, I got it. I have always been an outdoors person and grew up as a farm boy, so it was always something I wanted to do.

What is the best thing about being a Park Ranger?
I enjoy meeting the public and I prefer to meet people face to face. I just really like to meet new people.
You become a friendly face for people and they will tell you their stories and their problems.
It's also great to see the kids using the park and enjoying themselves. Sometimes you have to tell them off, but you don't want to be seen as some kind of a authority figure.
We also do these healthy walks for the elderly and infirm, so it's great to see them being able to use the park as well.

What does your job involve?
I start first thing in the morning, where I will be out and about all the other parks in the area to check for things like vandalism and burnt-out cars, but I spend the bulk of my time up in Springburn Park.
We have a zero tolerance approach to graffiti and if we see it anywhere we have it removed in time for the next day.
It's a constant battle, but one I think I am winning.
We want to keep the park decent and safe so people can enjoy it. There are quite a lot of asylum seekers living nearby and it's great to see them coming down here and using the park.
However, even when not working I am always out and about the park.

What kind of wildlife is in the park?
The park has great wildlife. In the morning when you walk in you hear the woodpeckers and see the foxes leaving after being out at night.
In fact some of the foxes are so used to you, they will actually let you feed them out of your hand.
The park also has deer, which I have been told used to wait for me to leave the park and then walk down the street at night.
The park is also home to many different species of birds – among them are swans, moor hens and coots, so we get a lot of bird watchers who come into the park.

Do you have any other interests?
I am a keen golfer and try to play as often as I can. Every summer me and some of the guys go away and play golf for a week.
Usually we head to Benidorm as there are some great courses around there.

Getting to know you
First car: A Ford Popular, I think it cost me £9!
First record: A Patsy Cline album. I have always been a country and western fan.
Dream holiday destination: Goa, just to be able to wake up in a little cabin and be right on the beach.
Book currently reading: I have just finished reading a series of books about Julius Caesar, which was fascinating.
Person most like to meet: Winston Churchill, he was such a significant historical figure and lived such an interesting life. Failing that, Kylie would be nice as well!