PE01678: National strategic framework for Countryside Ranger Services in Scotland

Rural Affairs

Petitioner: Robert Reid on behalf of Scottish Countryside Rangers Association

Status:
Closed

Date Lodged: 18 December 2017

Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to implement the strategic framework for the network of Countryside Ranger Services set out in the document Rangers in Scotland (SNH 2008). 

Petition History:

Summary:

1 February 2018: The Committee agreed to write to the Scottish Government, all local authorities in Scotland, Cairngorms National Park Authority, Community Land Scotland, COSLA, Crown Estate Scotland, Forestry Commission Scotland, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority, National Trust for Scotland, Scottish Land and Estates, and Scottish Natural Heritage. Link to the Official Report 1 February 2018

26 April 2018: The Committee agreed to invite Scottish Natural Heritage to give evidence at a future meeting. Link to the Official Report 26 April 2018

25 October 2018: The Committee agreed to write to the Scottish Government; to seek an update from the Ranger Development Partnership after its meeting in January 2019 and to reflect further on who it may wish to take oral evidence from at a future meeting. Link to the Official Report 25 October 2018

4 March 2019: The Committee agreed to take evidence on the petition in a round-table format at a future meeting with representatives of Scottish Natural Heritage, the Scottish Countryside Rangers Association, the Ranger Development Partnership, COSLA and relevant local authorities. Link to Official Report 4 April 2019

26 September 2019: The Committee agreed to reflect on the evidence heard at a future meeting. It also agreed to write to the Scottish Government and COSLA. Official Report of Meeting 26 September 2019

5 March 2020: The Committee agreed to close the petition under Standing Orders Rule 15.7 on the basis that Scottish Natural Heritage has taken forward the development of a statement on rangering in Scotland in conjunction with key partners which the Scottish Government awaits the publication of, and that Scottish Natural Heritage continues to work positively with SCRA and other members of the Ranger Development Partnership on a new training and development programme and the development of junior ranger schemes. Link to Official Report of Meeting 5 March 2020

Written submissions:

Question: Do you support the need for implementing the national strategic framework for the network of Countryside Ranger Services in Scotland?

Please explain why you support the need for implementation of the strategy.

We need Rangers to interpret the natural world for the general public, engage them and connect them with it! How else will we get the message over, that nature needs conserving? And that nature is essential to people?

Rum Ranger

0:49 on 18 Dec 2017

Yes, must be supported, and more funding plus more posts provided. I have been a volunteer in countryside access for many years, and value the support of Access Rangers. Some Councils are reducing Ranger Service, which is not a good move. Public is encouraged to be more active in the outdoors and there is a need to provide good support for this, via Ranger Services. Rangers deal with incidents where access is threatened or blocked. Their expertise and presence is necessary.

Douglas

11:39 on 17 Dec 2017

Rangers are essential for myriad reasons and can do much to educate and support people's enjoyment of the natural world which we much protect.

Helene

0:59 on 17 Dec 2017

It is amazing how little most people know about the natural world, and it is therefore vital that there are people who explain and interpret it to safeguard the future of our beautiful countryside

Maggi

10:15 on 16 Dec 2017

Scotland has some outstanding natural habitats, don't lose them. My sister is a ranger and does fantastic work engaging the local community. Protecting and promoting wild spaces should be a priority.

Maria

8:46 on 16 Dec 2017

The Ranger service are a fabric of the Coast and Country side. Which should not be unpicked.

Trevor Robertson

8:39 on 16 Dec 2017

Without countryside rangers there would be no parks to attend and no education for the children

Lesley Forbes

16:49 on 15 Dec 2017

Rangers are a key part of engaging people with nature, particularly now that many people seem to be losing touch with the natural environment.

Pat

17:27 on 14 Dec 2017

I am signing this petition as a show of support for our Countryside Rangers and the great work they are doing right across Scotland.

Nic Bullivant

16:02 on 14 Dec 2017

It is very important that we have a nucleus of professional, well balanced, ambassadors to encourage as many people as possible to make use of the wonderful natural environment we have, regularly and responsibly in the wide range of activities possible.

Neil Theodoreson

11:20 on 14 Dec 2017

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