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From day one following my career shift, I became aware of the Scottish Countryside Ranger Service (SCRA) and how they support Rangers through influencing Scottish Policy and disseminating best practice through publications, training and professional development (CPD). After becoming a SCRA member and enrolling for the CPD, I was both excited and proud to be asked to join the SCRA Council this year as quarterly magazine SCRAmble Editor.
Ranger Services Award
More recently I was invited by George Potts, former SCRA Chair and retired Head Ranger for Dundee Council, to join the Steering Group for the CPD Ranger Award, that is being remodelled to be more accessible and reflect current best practice. My life and recent academic experiences have allowed me to meaningfully contribute to the Ranger Award development, alongside peers, through the creation of a Ranger Award Guidance Document and as a Buccleuch Ranger, put Bowhill firmly on the map as a partner in the national network of Countryside Rangers and allied professionals in Scotland. With a pilot of the Award delivered through the summer in the Cairngorms National Park, with some fantastic projects including Beaver Surveying and Responsible Access, it is likely the new Award will go live in 2025.
SCRA hold a biennial Ranger Rendezvous for Rangers and allied professionals and I was very eager to attend my first, which also happened to be a celebration of 50 years of SCRA. Taking place in Aberfoyle at Dounans Outdoor Centre, it was a busy few days of presentations, workshops, field visits and of course evening social activities, which provided a great opportunity to network with other Rangers.
The presentations were highly informative, with guest speakers from NatureScot, Rothiemurcus and Galloway National Park Association, but the standout for me was the Fire and Rescue presentation discussing how technology, equipment and good communication can mitigate the risk and environmental impacts of wildfires. There was also a selection of workshops to choose from and I attended ones for the Junior Ranger Program, Conflict Avoidance and the Psychology of Interpretation, which provided an insightful overview of the complexity of engaging different audiences with Scotland’s Heritage. I personally never would have thought to use Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs to plan and deliver a bug hunting session! There were also options for field visits and my choices were grounded in the visitor experience, so off I headed to RSPB Loch Lomond and The Lodge Visitor Centre in Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. Both field visits focused on improving access whilst protecting fragile habitats and facilitating ongoing operations, but it did also give us a great opportunity to get outdoors, stretch our legs and enjoy some beautiful autumn scenery.
The main highlight of the Rendezvous, was spending time with other Rangers and being able to swap experiences and ideas. This networking is such an important aspect of Rangering and it was amazing to spend time with those who have been involved in the sector for decades. I have made many new friends, but also extended my support network and I am looking forward to a regional catch up with other Rangers in the new year, to see what I can transfer to my work at Bowhill.
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