New park rangers are in the making
A group of 22 high school pupils from Balfron and Callander have trained to become junior rangers with Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.
Second, third and fourth year pupils from Balfron and McLaren High Schools each spent a week learning about varied skills and challenges involved in being a ranger, as they took part in the third year of the successful Junior Ranger programme.
The National Park Authority provides a variety of materials and educational programmes to schools to help connect young people to the outdoors and give them an appreciation and respect for wild places. The Junior Ranger Programme builds on this by providing a level of detail and hands-on experience that organisers hope will leave a lasting impression on those participating.
Ali Cush, education and inclusion adviser at the Park, said: “We help thousands of school pupils each year to get a better understanding of the National Park and what it takes to look after this very special place. This has been made possible due to partnership support from The Mountains and The People, RSPB Scotland, The Great Trossachs Forest and The Woodland Trust Scotland.
“Our programme gives the trainees a strong sense of what it’s like to work in the National Park, especially the challenges balancing conservation and environmental protection, with welcoming visitors and the needs of residents.”
The Junior Ranger programme saw pupils participate in practical path work, a biodiversity day, learn about visitor management and a recreation and access day covering various aspects of rangers’ work. Each week culminated in a day of reflections/presentations and graduations on the Friday.
Shona Dunn, Principal Teacher Developing Young Workforce at McLaren High School said: “This year again, the pupils had a fantastic week learning about the National Park. The group have made strong friendships working together, learned new skills and made great memories. Thanks to the National Park for making this possible.”
Sarah Archibald, a fourth year pupil from Balfron High School, said: “The whole week was brilliant, but canoeing on Loch Lomond was the best bit, because I love the water.”
The work the Junior Rangers do will also be part of efforts by the pupils to complete their John Muir Award, which encourages people of all backgrounds to connect, enjoy and care for wild places, and develop an understanding of, and responsibility for, a chosen wild place or places.