New Seasonal Access Rangers begin summer patrols across Highland
The Highland Council’s Seasonal Access Ranger team have begun summer patrols with a team of 18 covering the Highland Council area, to promote and advise on responsible access to the countryside through the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
Economy and Infrastructure Chair, Cllr Ken Gowans said: “The Council are delighted to have received funding from Naturescot’s - Better Places Fund that has enabled a total of eighteen Access Rangers to be deployed in The Highland Council area throughout 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. 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 Access Rangers have been welcomed by visitors and local alike, due to their friendly approach to encouraging responsible behaviour. This team will cover a third of the Scottish land area or nearly 26,500 square kilometres.
As a response to ‘dirty camping’, litter and human waste issues experienced in many Highland locations, where communities & land managers are disappointed at the behaviour of some of the visitors, Access Rangers will patrol sites and engage with visitors to ensure awareness of the Outdoor Access Code, and other legislation, such as parking and environmental health. They will monitor use and report incidents to the relevant Council teams or emergency services. The rangers will also carry out duties to keep tidy, maintain and manage Council owned sites, core paths and work with communities and land managers on other sites to protect the habitats and respect for the landscape. Where possible, the rangers will work with local volunteers to engage with visitors.
Responsible camping will be a key priority, and, in many locations, this will mean a ‘no fires’ message. There is a significant fire risk throughout the Highlands in the summer months and lighting campfires on peaty ground, woodland, grassland or moors is irresponsible and contrary to the Code. 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 our natural environment from the scorch marks, the trees cut down or the dead wood housing insects. Much of this damage takes years to recover and leaves behind a disruptive mark on the beautiful landscape.
People can contact the Ranger team, but we do ask that people are realistic in their expectations, that the team are not an emergency service and are there to advise & engage rather than enforce. The team can be contacted by email at accessrangers@highland.gov.uk or by phoning the Senior Ranger on 07909 051223
A helpful and welcoming motorhome and campervan guidance booklet has been produced to help visitors enjoy the Highlands responsibly - protecting the environment and keeping it clean, tidy, and safe for both visitors and residents and be downloaded here.