Continued support for Rangers in the Cairngorms National Park
20th January 2012
The valuable role Rangers in the Cairngorms National Park play in helping people enjoy visits to the countryside has been recognised with continued funding from the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA).
At a meeting in Grantown on Spey today (Friday 20 January 2012), Members gave their unanimous support to continuing the partnership with ranger employers in the National Park along with £181,600 of grant support annually for the next five years.
CNPA grant supports 15 Rangers who are employed by a number of different public and private organisations. Rangers are employed across the National Park with bases at the most popular and important sites.
CNPA Senior Visitor Services Officer Pete Crane said: “There is a clear need for Rangers in developing an outstanding National Park. The work of rangers helps over one million visitors enjoy the National Park each year by promoting and maintaining good paths, and providing good information and interpretation. They make it safe and easy for people to enjoy and learn about some of the best nature and countryside in Britain.
“This decision also supports and recognises the vital role that ranger employers have in managing the twelve services that operate across the Cairngorms.”
CNPA Convener David Green added: “There is a lot of support for this model of working which is the envy of many other National Parks. There is huge added benefit in the way we work with our partners to support Ranger services in the Cairngorms National Park not just in these times of austerity as being value for money but the direct benefit to the landowners. The Junior Ranger programme in the National Park has been able to reach and engage youngsters in a “life changing” way and help keep this place special for future generations.”
CNPA grant supports Ranger Services at: Aberdeenshire Council, Angus Council, Atholl Estates, Balmoral Estate, Explore Abernethy, Glenlivet Estate, Glen Tanar Charitable Trust, The Highland Council and Rothiemurchus Estate.