'Boots on the ground' – Highland access rangers start work to promote responsible use of outdoors
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A team of access rangers have begun their seasonal work to promote responsible access in tourist hotspots across the Highlands this summer.
The roles were brought in as a response to widespread reports of so-called dirty camping, with litter and issues over human waste blighting many communities after early pandemic restrictions were lifted.
The rangers, now in their third year, have been welcomed as they patrol sites and engage with visitors to raise awareness of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and how it works on the ground.
NatureScot has financed 62 staff across the country with a £900,000 investment, including 14 of the 18 access rangers operating on behalf of Highland Council, thanks to the Better Places Fund.
The nature agency says the extra "boots on the ground" will promote the access code and help manage visitor pressure around the North Coast 500, as well as at other Highland hotspots and places around Scotland.
Councillor Ken Gowans, Highland Council's economy and infrastructure committee chairman, welcomed the funding which he says will enable the rangers to work through the busy summer season.
“A key role for the access rangers will be engaging with the public and raising awareness of the outdoor access code and communicating to people that as individuals we all play an important role in ensuring that the beautiful outdoor spaces are protected for all to enjoy for future generations," he said.
"Thanks to the outdoor access team for their foresight and for working in partnership with other organisations to secure the funding to allow the engagement, education and patrols programme to continue for a third season.”
The Highland rangers will monitor use and report incidents to the relevant council teams or emergency services. The rangers will also look after council-owned sites and core paths, and work with communities and land managers on other sites to protect habitats. Where possible, the rangers will work with local volunteers to engage with visitors.
Responsible camping will be a key priority, and, the local authority says that in many locations this will mean a "no fires" message due to the high risk of wildfires. It adds that it is also irresponsible to light fires close to buildings, historic monuments and within 30m of a public road. Even small fires cause significant damage to the natural environment from the scorch marks, trees cut down or dead wood housing insects. Much of this damage takes years to recover and leaves behind a disruptive mark on the landscape.
NatureScot said the funding has been awarded to 18 organisations – seven countryside trusts, five local authorities, four charities, one community group, one not-for-profit organisation and one private company. This complements additional investment in rangers and visitor operations made this year by NatureScot, Forestry and Land Scotland, the National Park Authorities and Scottish Water to support the management of busy outdoor places such as the National Nature Reserves, parks, reservoirs and forests.
Bridget Jones, NatureScot's recreation and paths manager, said: “The Better Places Fund supports rangers to promote responsible enjoyment and manage some of the busiest and most popular areas. We want to help people have positive and memorable experiences as they visit and enjoy Scotland’s dramatic landscapes of beaches, mountains, lochs and woodlands. But as we tackle the climate and biodiversity crises, we have to ensure that the country’s most spectacular locations are valued and cared for, so that they are there for future generations.”
Highland Council's access ranger team can be contacted by email at accessrangers@highland.gov.uk or by phoning the senior ranger on 07909 051223. However, people are asked to be "realistic in their expectations" and be aware that the team are not an emergency service and are there to advise and engage rather than enforce.
