Welcoming summer visitors

This summer, the Park Authority has 21 countryside rangers on the ground - four trainees, twelve seasonal and five permanent rangers - working closely with a further 28 rangers from partner services. We also support a team of over 86 volunteer rangers. In total, that’s well over 100 people welcoming, guiding and supporting people to do the right thing from the moment they arrive.     

The ranger teams get involved in everything from engaging with visitors across popular routes to picking up litter and reporting issues like broken fences and gates, fire sites, fallen trees or washed away paths. Another key role of the rangers is to help people connect with nature and explore the National Park in a responsible way through the positive promotion of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.   

Most people walk their dogs responsibly, and even though most calving and lambing is complete on farms in the National Park, we’re still encouraging visitors and locals to do the right thing when they are out and about. This includes keeping dogs on leads near farmland to prevent causing stress to livestock as well as in areas like woodland so as not to disturb ground nesting birds or their chicks, picking up dog poo to prevent parasites harming livestock and closing gates that they open when out walking.   

Since the start of this year, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has issued several very high or extreme wildfire warnings. During these warning periods, we provide extra support to our landowner partners including with additional evening patrols in popular camping areas. 

The countryside rangers talk to thousands of visitors each year advising them not to light any fires or barbeques, ensure cigarettes are fully extinguished and take litter (including glass, which can magnify the sun’s rays and produce enough heat to cause a fire) away. They also advise them to call the emergency services on 999 if they discover a fire however, as a local, you can help get this information to visitors too.  

I’ve already made use of the great weather to get out on the bike as well as walking and climbing and I hope you can also make the most of opportunities for whatever your interests are - we want everyone to enjoy being outside and exploring the Cairngorms National Park this summer - there is so much to see and do!