SMILE VISITORS

Ranger addressing delegates: Glen Tanar House and Ballroom in background, beyond pines.

Glen Tanar recently hosted a group of scientists from around Europe.



They are developing sustainability indicators as part of a European project (SMILE). The Macaulay (MLURI) is on the team- they are using the Cairngorms National Park as their 'case study'.



The visit to Glen Tanar gave the group an insight into land managers- and land owners- thinking: private estates are a key delivery mechanism, and their owners key decision makers, and so are crucial to the 'sustainability' debate.

Junior Rangers

Junior Rangers in Glen Tanar


Last year, 2008, we had the European Junior Ranger camp in Glen Tanar. It was initiated by the Scottish Countryside Rangers Association- SCRA- in particular Jane Evans, who was doing 'International Liaison' work with SCRA.
This sparked interest among local young folk. In response, the Cairngorms National Park Authority, together with local Ranger Services, organised a week long Junior Ranger programme on Deeside.

Junior Ranger is:

• Experiential, practical, fun and inspirational activities in Protected Areas, and managed by Rangers, according to the idea of “learning by doing”.



• a non discriminatory programme, which requires a professional approach and high quality standard (to be defined and eventually monitored / controlled by Europarc).



• Aspire to high environmental standards (to be defined and eventually monitored by Europarc);



• Addressed to promote international exchange, to develop positive, cooperative and social skills, and to encourage the active citizenship of youths (ex. ethos and natural respect).



• Connection between Europarc Protected Areas and “local” young people.



• Cooperation between Rangers – Parks – Europarc

In line with EUROPARC guidance and Cairngorm National Park objectives and priorities for action the Cairngorms National Park Junior Ranger Project follow on programme would be as follows –

Open to graduates of the 5 day initial programme.
Operate one day a month.
Achieve John Muir Explorer Award.
Develop skills, knowledge and understanding introduced during the initial programme.
Provide the opportunity to use new skills in meaningful and real situations.
Use climate change as a thematic strand.
Allow participation in International Camps and exchanges.

As a result we have held two Junior Ranger programmes here in Glen Tanar.


Last year the event was held for a week in Glen Tanar - this year pupils from Aboyne and Alford Academies went to and then here in Glen Tanar, where they were looking at Management and Access issues on the River Dee. Meeting with both ghillies and fisherman from the view of a canoeist.




















Kayaks and Canoes on the Dee let us study access/conservation issues first hand.
Jonathan Kitching and his team from Aberdeen City provided equipment and first class instruction.
Colin McClean, Glen Tanar Wildlife Manager, provided liaison with gillies and anglers.


A BBQ was held at Braeloine visitors centre for the Junior Rangers. The informal gathering of friends and family was also to witness the giving out of the John Muir Awards to all the Junior Rangers.




'First of all a huge thank you to you all for your hard work, enthusiasm and commitment to the programme, it has been a great success and this has been reflected in feedback from many people.' - Alan Smith, John Muir Award Manager, Cairgorms National Park