Pride, Progress and Planters: A Year with Bideford’s Town Rangers
An interview with Town Ranger Supervisor Andy Curtis
Over the past year, Bideford’s Town Rangers have gone from strength to strength — expanding their role, enhancing the Bideford’s appearance, and taking on ambitious projects that are making a visible difference to residents and visitors alike.
Speaking about the team’s progress, Town Ranger Supervisor Andy Curtis said the transformation over the past two years has been remarkable.
“We were officially named just two years ago,” Andy explained, “but the impact we’re now able to make is on a completely different scale.”
He credits much of that progress to the opening of the permanent depot at Caddesdown in January 2025, which has allowed the team to work more efficiently, invest in improved equipment, and take on larger projects across the town.
A Blooming Success in the Heart of Town
Andy spoke proudly about the Coronation Rose Bed in front of Victoria Park, set against the historic Queen’s railings.
“It’s one of the projects that really captures people’s attention,” he said.
Each rose is named after a member of the Royal Family — including King Charles, Princess Anne, Queen Elizabeth, Princess Diana and the Princess Catherine of Wales. Passersby frequently stop to admire the display.
“We regularly hear people say how lovely the town looks,” Andy added. “That kind of feedback means a lot to the team.”
The Rangers maintain forty-two different sized planters positioned throughout Bideford — from barrel planters and stone displays to tiered arrangements along the Quay. The steps leading to Ford Woods off Solomon Drive have also been renewed as part of the team’s continued work to make green spaces accessible to all.
Andy highlighted the team’s dedication: “It’s not just me — it’s the whole team working together: Dave K, Dave D, Jordan, Arhmet and me. Everyone brings their own strengths, and we all take pride in what we achieve.”
Celebrating 50 Years of Twinning
One of this year’s most symbolic projects has been the design of the Port Memorial flower bed to celebrate the 50-year twinning anniversary between Bideford and Landivisau.
Andy described the project as both creative and painstaking.
“This one has taken a lot of planning,” he explained. “We’ve mapped it out carefully using lollipop sticks to mark every section.”
When in full bloom, the bed will reveal the French and British flags in red, white and blue flowers, with “50 Years” spelt out in yellow blooms across the display.
“It’s labour-intensive work,” Andy admitted, “but it’s going to look magnificent. We really hope both residents and visitors from Landivisau will love it.”
Growing Their Own: A New Greenhouse for 2026
Another major development Andy spoke about is the installation of a new 27ft by 8ft greenhouse in December 2025.
“This is a big step forward for us,” Andy explained. “Our aim is to grow all of our own flowers for Bideford’s hanging baskets and the forty-two planters spread across the town.”
Currently, the team is nurturing more than three hundred geraniums.
Andy described how different flowers serve different purposes. “Petunias are ideal for hanging baskets because they cascade beautifully, while lobelia works really well in flower beds. It’s about choosing the right plant for the right location.”
Previously, flowers were purchased from garden centres each season. Andy said growing their own will create a significant cost saving for the town.
“But it’s more than just saving money,” he added. “It’s positive for the whole team — Dave K Dave D, Jordan, Arhmet and me — to all be involved in horticulture. Everyone learns, experiments, and takes ownership of the displays. We’re a very knowledgeable team, and the greenhouse gives us space to trial plants suited to windy quay fronts, shaded areas and high-footfall spaces.”
A Permanent Base, A Stronger Team
Andy described the new depot as a “game-changer.”
“Before, we were operating from one small unit — and then two separate small units. Now we start every morning together in one shared space. That’s improved morale and teamwork massively.”
The larger facility has enabled investment in more efficient machinery, including a heavy-duty weed removal machine that has dramatically reduced time spent clearing stubborn growth across Bideford.
The Rangers are also transitioning toward more carbon-neutral equipment, with battery-operated hedge trimmers, brush cutters and blowers.
“They’re quieter and better environmentally,” Andy noted. “It’s the direction we want to move in.”
Transforming Ford Rock
Andy highlighted the transformation of the Ford Rock recreational area near the new road to Torrington as one of last year’s most significant projects.
“It was heavily overgrown with blackthorn and Japanese Knotweed, and there were concerns about anti-social behaviour,” he explained.
In just eight weeks, the Rangers cleared and reshaped the space. It now features three picnic benches overlooking the tide, where visitors can watch kingfishers and waterfowl.
“We maintain it regularly — cutting the grass and keeping it safe and inviting,” Andy said.
The Reality Behind the Work
Andy was candid about the less visible side of the job.
“Litter picking is constant. We return abandoned shopping trolleys and remove chewing gum with specialist equipment. It’s ongoing.”
Before the Bideford Regatta, the team manually cleans the rowing steps at neap tide when water levels drop by up to four metres.
“That’s shovelling by hand on the lower steps,” Andy said. “It’s tough, messy work.”
Strimming areas affected by dog fouling, he admitted, is among the least glamorous jobs.
More Than Maintenance
Andy emphasised that the Rangers’ work extends far beyond gardening.
“We maintain gym equipment in Victoria Park, check four defibrillators weekly, monitor Ford Woods, inspect street furniture, open and close the Pannier Market and public toilets, maintain Butchers’ Row and Market Place shops, carry out plumbing and slate repairs at Market Hall, and manage allotments.”
They also support major civic events — including Remembrance Sunday road closures, the Mayor’s Parade, preparations for the fair, work at Chudleigh Fort, decorating the Pannier Market Christmas tree and taking part in Bideford Carnival.
Community and Legacy
For Andy, who was born and raised in Bideford, the role carries deep personal meaning.
“My great-grandfather is listed on the town’s Honour Roll,” he said. “So, there’s real pride in what we do.”
He also spoke about the satisfaction of leading the team and seeing members develop — including Jordan, the newest apprentice, who is already thriving.
And then there’s the depot’s daily visitor.
“We’ve got a robin that comes every day,” Andy smiled. “We built it its own nesting box.”
Looking Ahead
Looking forward, Andy said priorities include improving grass verge management, the growing of flowers and maintaining the high standards residents now expect.
“There’s always pressure — whether it’s Christmas lights or summer flowers,” Andy said. “But we’re proud of what we’re achieving.”
And if you’re wondering who arrives at the depot first each morning?
Andy laughed. “That’s still under debate.”
One thing is certain — under the Bideford Rangers’ care, Bideford isn’t just being maintained.
It’s blooming.
