Five years on

Five people waving at the camera with a stone wall behind.

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This month, the Cairngorms National Park Authority ranger service is celebrating its fifth anniversary! Ranger Manager at the Park Authority, Lucy Ford, reflects on half a decade working with an inspirational team of people and the work they have achieved.

Post lockdown

In June 2020, our communities were preparing to welcome visitors back, many of whom were reconnecting with nature after months indoors, and our existing network of ranger services needed extra support to help make that possible. As we began to ease out of the first Covid 19 lockdown, we recognised that we were entering a new phase for the National Park in terms of how we manage for visitors.

Ed Smith

Partner ranger services

Before 2020, the Park Authority supported 15 site-based ranger services, largely through grants and project funding. These local teams were - and still are - doing fantastic work on the ground, but the pandemic revealed a growing need for more joined-up support, especially around visitor engagement and responsible access.

Brenna Jessie

Launching the ranger service

That’s when the Park Authority visitor services team set to the challenge. By mid-June 2020, we had launched the ranger service with an initial team of nine seasonal rangers working across Deeside, Badenoch and Strathspey. Their mission was to engage with visitors, help them navigate the ongoing restrictions and ensure that their visit was safe, enjoyable and in line with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

Hector Bryden

21 rangers

Fast forward to today, and our team has grown to 21 rangers. That includes five permanent staff who help deliver key elements of the National Park Partnership Plan, from environmental education and junior ranger programmes to volunteering and community engagement.

Will George

12 seasonal rangers

We also have 12 seasonal rangers who patrol sites across the National Park, promoting responsible access, preventing wildfires, supporting species recovery, encouraging sustainable tourism and contributing to an exceptional visitor experience. I’m especially proud of our four trainee rangers, who are building valuable skills for a future in green jobs.

Cairngorms National Park Authority

A dedicated team

Behind each interaction, each cleared fire site and each junior ranger session delivered, is a dedicated team committed to inspiring positive behaviour, fostering a deeper understanding of nature and the outdoors and protecting this incredible place for future generations.

Hector Bryden

Excited for the future

As we celebrate this five-year milestone, I feel proud of how far we’ve come and excited for what’s ahead. It’s a privilege to be part of the Cairngorms National Park Authority ranger service.

Hector Bryden