🌿 My Life as a Forest Ranger: Real Experiences from the Field
Introduction
Being a lady forest ranger is not just a job but a life full of adventure, responsibility, and a deep connection with nature. Every day in the forest brings something new. Sometimes it is peaceful, sometimes dangerous, but always meaningful. In this blog, I want to share my real experiences from the field.
 |
| Field work |
A Day in the Forest
My day usually starts early in the morning. I prepare my equipment and head into the forest. The fresh air and the sounds of birds mark the beginning of my journey. Walking through forest trails, I mostly enjoy observing plants, animals, and any unusual activities that are totally new to me. I have a very deep interest in plant identification, mostly NTFPs and invasive alien plant species. Also, I love to write down things that force me to think for a second. Mostly, I walk for hours in difficult terrain. The forest is not always easy. There are steep hills, rivers, and dense vegetation. Even a simple patrol can take hours of walking.
 |
| Field work |
Encounter with Wildlife
One of the most exciting parts of my job is seeing wild animals. I have encountered species such as deer, monkeys, wolves, tigers, Kalij squirrels, pangolins, and numerous other bird species. Seeing those unique creatures in the wild is both thrilling and risky. These moments remind me how powerful and beautiful nature is.
Medicinal Plants I Have Seen
During my fieldwork, I have found many important plants such as Sugandhwal (Valeriana jatamansi), Dhasingre (Gautheria fragrantissima), Timur (Xanthoxylum armatum), Bojho (Acorus calamus), Pakhenbed (Bergenia ciliata), Pani amala (Nephrolepis cordifolia) etc. These plants are valuable for their medicinal properties and play an important role in the forest ecosystem. Protecting these plants is essential, as many of them are becoming rare due to human activities and environmental changes.
 |
| NTFP (sugandawal) |
My Favourite Time of Field: Spring Season
Among all seasons, spring is my favourite time in the field. During this season, the hills transform into a beautiful landscape filled with greenery and vibrant colours. The forest becomes more lively, and every part of nature feels fresh and energetic.
One of the best parts of spring is enjoying wild fruits found in the forest. I often get the chance to taste delicious fruits like berries, kimbu (Morus alba), aiselu (Rubus ellipticus), kafal (Myrica esculenta), and chutro (Berberis aristata), which grow naturally in these areas. These moments make fieldwork more enjoyable and memorable. Spring not only adds beauty to the forest but also gives us a chance to truly experience the richness of nature.
.
 |
| Rhododendron |
 |
| kafal |
 |
| Aaiselu |
 |
| Clean and green Nature |
Working in Harsh and Remote Areas
My working area is very harsh and underdeveloped. I serve in regions like Roshi Gaunpalika and parts of Mahabharat Gaunpalika, where reaching the field itself is a major challenge.
These areas are highly affected by landslides and floods, especially during the rainy season. Many roads are damaged or completely washed away, making transportation extremely difficult. In some places, there are no proper roads at all. Sometimes, we even have to take off our shoes to cross rivers, as there are no bridges or safe routes. We carefully walk through flowing water just to reach our destination. Due to poor infrastructure and limited facilities, carrying out daily duties becomes even more challenging.
During community forest (CF) inventory work, the situation becomes even more challenging. The forests in these areas are often inactive and located in very difficult terrain. We have to walk long distances, climb steep slopes, and carry equipment. This makes us extremely tired and causes body pain. Completing inventory work under such conditions requires both physical strength and strong dedication.
 |
| Field condition |
Challenges in the Field
Being a forest ranger is not easy. Some of the major challenges include:
Harsh weather conditions
Risk from wild animals
Difficult terrain and remote locations
Illegal activities like poaching and deforestation
Despite these challenges, we continue our duty with commitment.
Conclusion
My life as a forest ranger is full of real experiences that connect me deeply with nature. Every day brings new lessons and challenges. It is not just a profession; it is a responsibility, a duty, and a passion.
 |
| Discussion with community |
Read more:
From wounded hills to healing landscapes
0 Comments