Stirling Council’s Greenspace Ranger service has been re-established with a full complement of staff.
The Rangers work to manage, maintain and promote greenspaces for both people and wildlife across the Stirling area. Officers work closely with council colleagues, local community groups, schools and the public to encourage enjoyment of the natural and cultural heritage of their sites.
As well as carrying out regular patrols and inspections of sites, and undertaking maintenance and conservation, the Rangers also deliver outdoor education, practical volunteer sessions, and engagement events and provide wildlife and access information and advice.
The first such engagement event will take place on Wednesday 10 August at Plean Country Park where kids up to age 12 can take part in a Minibeast Safari, looking for different bugs and insects in their natural habitat throughout the park. The event takes place over two sessions, the first from 10.30am-12noon and the second from 1pm-2.30pm.
There are 12 slots available for each Minibeast Safari session. To reserve a place, participants must email ranger@stirling.gov.uk.
Environment and Housing Convener, Cllr Jen Preston said: “It’s fantastic to see the Council’s Greenspace Ranger service returning to help support our communities enjoy the wonderful outdoor spaces that Stirling has to offer.
“I have full confidence that the team will help foster a pride in our local greenspaces through positive engagement with the community, starting with what will be a fun-filled day at Plean Country Park, encouraging young children to interact with nature.
“The Rangers are a fantastic resource made up of passionate and knowledgeable staff committed to maintaining the Council’s greenspace areas to a high standard and I hope their presence will help cultivate a culture of appreciation and respect for our beautiful countryside and the wildlife that lives within it.”
Eilidh Call, one of the new Rangers said: “Being a Greenspace Ranger for Stirling Council gives me an amazing opportunity to protect and improve our greenspaces for future generations to enjoy. I can’t wait to explore and get to know the area more, and I’m especially looking forward to seeing what conservation and biodiversity challenges we can tackle.
“I think it is especially important now to manage all our sites for both the enjoyment of the public and with improving biodiversity in mind. Encouraging and inspiring future generations to take an interest in protecting their local spaces. It’s my hope that through carrying out this work, protecting our green spaces will remain as much of a priority in the future as it is today.”