RANGERS from 12 different services across the Cairngorms National Park met in the Angus Glens last week to look at exciting activities for the year ahead.
The aims of the two day event, which took place on Thursday and Friday and was jointly hosted by Angus Council Ranger Service and the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA), were to share best practice and plan work for 2010.
On the first day rangers from Angus took the group out on a tour around the Angus mountains and the magnificent Corrie Fee National Nature Reserve, which is owned and managed by Scottish Natural Heritage. The reserve is one of the best sites for Arctic Alpine plants in Britain and attracts around 10,000 visitors a year.
During the walk the 19 rangers discussed practical conservation and visitor management issues.
Mick Pawley, Countryside manager with Angus Council, said: “It was very pleasing to see so many experienced rangers impressed by what the Angus Glens has to offer visitors to the National Park.”
The second day was held in the new eco friendly ranger base at Glen Doll, that was built last year by Angus Council with support from, Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and CNPA.
The rangers then got down to the hard work of planning the year ahead. Key themes were how to encourage a wider range of people to enjoy the National Park, ‘2010 Year of Biodiversity’ and ranger support for the new Curriculum for Excellence.
Pete Crane, senior visitor services officer at the CNPA, said: “Rangers across the National Park help people enjoy the countryside and learn about this special place. With 12 services based around an area the size of a small country it’s vital that we come together to share experiences and plan for the year ahead.”