17 March, 2016
Outdoor Learning Opportunity for Scottish Junior Rangers
A project encouraging young people to take an interest in the environment is being launched across the country by the Scottish Countryside Rangers’ Association (SCRA) this week.
The Junior Ranger programme allows 11to18 year-olds to get involved with the work of their local ranger service. This gives them valuable opportunities to work as part of a team, develop practical skills and explore future career opportunities. SCRA is now rolling out the programme after a series of successful pilot Junior Ranger projects.
Those on the pilot projects took part in activities such as species identification, planting hedgerows, learning new conservation management skills and removing invasive plant species. Young volunteers also supported the rangers at events and built on their self-confidence by talking to people about their work.
Some young people on the scheme will also get the chance to go on exchanges with other Junior Rangers, including on camps which are regularly organised by the EUROPARC Federation’s Junior Ranger Network.
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has funded the Junior Rangers project. Alison Matheson, who worked on the project for SNH, said: “We are pleased to have supported the development of Scotland’s Junior Ranger programme. Young people in Scotland have much to gain from being active in the outdoors. As well as the health benefits, the Junior Ranger work gives them and their friends an opportunity to try something different, learn new skills, help the environment, and start thinking about the world of work.”
Ruth Grant, SCRA President, said: "The Junior Ranger programme provides a great chance for young people to work and learn alongside professional countryside rangers. The experience helps them gain a better understanding of the countryside and the rangers’ important role in managing Scotland’s natural heritage for the benefit of wildlife and people who enjoy the outdoors. The Junior Rangers also learn that getting stuck into practical tasks is enjoyable and satisfying.”
For more information on the project and to find a Junior Ranger scheme near you visit the SCRA website.
The Scottish Countryside Rangers Association is the professional membership association for Countryside Rangers and associated countryside professionals in Scotland.
Formed in 1974, SCRA has an enviable reputation for supporting the development and enhancement of the Ranger profession in Scotland; organising networking events, training events and conferences, supporting the development of a national logo and brand for Scotland's Ranger Services and working with Government and Government agencies to promote the profession.
The term “Junior Ranger” is a trademark, owned by the EUROPARC Federation, which has developed a set of guiding principles and is used to define a specific programme of activities.
Contact information
- Name
- Dominic Shann
- Job Title
- Media Relations Officer
- Telephone
- 01463 725157
- dominic.shann@nature.scot
NatureScot is Scotland's nature agency. We work to enhance our natural environment in Scotland and inspire everyone to care more about it. Our priority is a nature-rich future for Scotland and an effective response to the climate emergency. For more information, visit our website at www.nature.scot or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/nature_scot
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