Across 20 long-term projects, Cairngorms 2030 will bring about transformational change in the Cairngorms, benefitting people’s health and wellbeing, delivering on climate change and enhancing nature across the National Park.
Volunteer Cairngorms supports and develops volunteering for nature, the environment and physical activity across the Cairngorms National Park. Start your volunteering journey here!
The junior ranger project is a free, fun and adventurous outdoor learning programme for young people aged 11 to 18, delivered through close partnership working across the Cairngorms.
Junior rangers have the chance to explore the Cairngorms, working alongside adult rangers on practical tasks whilst having fun, building confidence and learning new skills with people of their own age. The activities vary from learning how to catch, identify and release bumblebees as part of species monitoring efforts to path maintenance to expeditions.
Working alongside ranger services and other partners in the National Park, the programme is based on a European model and aims to develop positive, cooperative social skills, encourage the active citizenship of young people and promote international exchange.
Junior rangers
Will George
Building goldeneye boxes
Will George
Climbing trees
Will George
There are two groups of junior rangers who meet once a month on a Saturday or Sunday – one in Badenoch and Strathspey and one in Deeside, and through the programme, junior rangers:
Develop skills, knowledge and understanding that will benefit the young people in further education and work
Use new skills in meaningful and real situations
Act as youth advocates for the Cairngorms National Park
Participate in international and national camps and exchanges
Achieve their Scottish Countryside Rangers Association Junior Ranger Award
The Park Authority also works with secondary schools and partner ranger services in and around the Cairngorms National Park to deliver five-day programmes that involve:
Conservation tasks
Visits and talks
Outdoor activities
Sharing experiences with friends and family
Graduating as a Cairngorms National Park junior ranger
Junior ranger programmes are run across Europe and our groups are affiliated with the EUROPARC Federation.
Unfortunately, we are currently unable to accept any new members from the Badenoch & Strathspey area as we have reached full capacity. This does not affect those living within the Deeside area. Thank you for your understanding.
Get in touch
If you would like to support this project or find out how you can get involved please email [email protected]
If you would like to sign a young person up for junior rangers please include their name, address and date of birth.
Supporting documents
This document contains an overview of the Cairngorms National Park Junior Ranger Project for its 2025 review. This exciting, fun, and adventurous outdoor learning programme engages young people aged 11 to 18, based on the EUROPARC model, to become advocates for the Cairngorms National Park, develop skills, and help improve the natural environment. In 2025, the project successfully involved 169 Junior Rangers across 58 sessions, supported by 35 partners and 15 Ranger Services. The programme offered various activities, including a school program for 79 pupils from six high schools and a monthly programme with 90 participants, who also learned new skills and gained confidence. The document highlights the achievement of 12 junior rangers completing the Scottish Countryside Ranger Association (SCRA) Junior Ranger Award. Looking ahead to 2026, plans include introducing the Cairngorms Dùthchas Award, a three-day expedition, and sending two junior rangers to the EUROPARC camp in Norway.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
This document contains a review of the Cairngorms National Park Junior Ranger Project in 2024, which is an outdoor learning program for young people between 11 and 18 years old, based on the EUROPARC model. The project involved 178 junior rangers and was delivered through 55 sessions by 34 partners. The program aims to engage young people in the Cairngorms National Park area, providing them with opportunities to develop skills, gain experience, and build confidence while promoting environmental stewardship. The project involves different activities, including school programs, monthly programs, expeditions, and recognizes achievements through the Scottish Countryside Ranger Association (SCRA) Junior Ranger Award and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) Nature of Scotland Awards.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
This document contains a review of the Cairngorms National Park Junior Ranger project for 2023. The project is an outdoor learning program for young people aged 11 to 18, based on the EUROPARC model. It aims to engage young people, increase understanding of Ranger Services, develop skills for conservation employment, educate about the climate emergency, and promote Junior Ranger projects. In 2023, the project worked with six local high schools for five-day "Discovery Weeks," connecting young people with nature through conservation work and meeting rural workers. The project also has a monthly program open to 11 to 17 year olds. The Junior Rangers also participated in a Junior Ranger camp and a EUROPARC Junior Ranger camp. The Scottish Countryside Rangers Association (SCRA) Junior Ranger Award encourages monthly participants to work towards the Junior Ranger Award.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
