Going to work is a joy not a chore
WORKING as a countryside ranger in Caithness could be described as the perfect job. Rich biodiversity and diverse landscape make going to work a joy rather than a chore.
The Highland Council rangers are part of the planning and development service within the Highland Council.
In Caithness, we are the main local ranger service and tend to have a very varied job description. Each day can be very different and we work with different types of people at different levels.
We can be out on a guided walk with college students, followed by a practical planting project with nursery children, monitoring wildlife or writing text for an interpretation panel
In Caithness we have one-and-a-half full-time ranger posts. I job share with Dieter Tuerlinckx in the east Caithness post and we are based in Wick.
Paul Castle spends half his time at Dunnet covering north Caithness but also works from Bettyhill and covers north Sutherland.
At this time of year, we get some extra help from a seasonal ranger and a temporary ranger who are based at the Seadrift Centre at Dunnet.
The centre provides a hands-on, enjoyable and informative interpretation display regarding the local history, geology and natural heritage of Caithness. The free display is open throughout the summer season for the enjoyment of both locals and visitors.
We have had a very busy summer with our usual workload plus extra events and walks for the school holidays.
Our family events – Meet the Gruffalo and In the Night Garden – attracted particularly high numbers with almost 400 people turning up for four events. We often provide displays, information and children’s activities at public events and have been busy this year at the Leaf Sunday event at Bilbster Mains, the Rumster Forest open day and also at the Caithness County Show.
The rangers are actively involved with the local biodiversity group and support ongoing projects. The salmonberry project highlights the problems associated with this invasive plant and a leaflet has recently been produced.
The rangers run a practical volunteer group called the Caithness Countryside Volunteers, and organise events around the county each month. We work closely with a range of community groups, such as the Friends of Newtonhill and assist with practical help and advice.
Schools tend to be a priority for us and we have been very active with the eco schools and practical projects in establishing wildlife gardens and school grounds improvements. We also provide organised visits into the countryside to give children the vital hands-on experience of the living landscape.
We are very privileged to be in Caithness as the majority of our work is very positive and interactive with the local community and visitors.
The landscapes and biodiversity of the county make our job very interesting and rewarding when projects reach completion.