The general secretary at the UK's oldest national conservation organisation is celebrating 40 years in the role.
Today, April 2, marks four decades since Kate Ashbrook joined the Open Spaces Society based in Henley.
Ms Ashbrook said: "We now have a right of access to all registered commons, and many town and village greens are registered and protected against development as never before.
"That was not true when I took the job."
She added: "Public paths do not yet have the protection they deserve.
"Too often they are closed or moved at the whim of landowners.
"I foresee plenty of fighting ahead, and I hope to be in the thick of it."
Ms Ashbrook manages a team of nine employees and 45 volunteers throughout England and Wales.
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