Countryside Rangers

Who are we?

The service operates city wide covering 92 parks, Local Nature Reserves and greenspaces in Glasgow, with operational bases at Pollok Country Park and Tollcross Park. Countryside Rangers can be found all over Scotland, employed by local authorities, private estates, the Forestry Commission and National Parks and were born from the 1968 Countryside (Scotland) Act. Countryside Rangers in Scotland celebrate 45 years in 2019.

Where are we?

As a Glasgow citywide team, each individual Countryside Ranger has a dedicated area of the City and know the nature of their 'patch' intimately. The Countryside Rangers generally work in pairs.

• North Team
  Based at Tollcross Park, the Courtyard, 254B Wellshot Rd, Glasgow, G32 7AX
  Gavin (NW), Jimmy (N) and John (East)
  Phone: 0141 276 0931
   
• South Team
  Based at Pollok Country Park and Tollcross Park
  Jackie (SW - Pollok) and Gary (SE - Tollcross)                 
  Phone: 0141 287 9001 / 0141 276 0931
   
• Pollok Country Park
  Based at Knowehead Lodge, next to the Burrell, 2060 Pollokshaws Road, G43 1AT
  Lynsey, Denise and Fiona
  Phone: 0141 287 9001

What do we do?­

"We connect people and with green places, enhancing public enjoyment and care of the outdoors."

Our Countryside Rangers work with the people of Glasgow to educate, interpret, monitor and protect Glasgow's wildlife and its environment. We are the bridge between visitors, local communities, landowners and agencies and work for the benefit of both people and nature. We are the eyes and ears that help to look after some of Scotland's wonderful landscapes and wildlife. 

The Countryside Ranger Team has an important part in making sure that the council meets its key commitments at a local and national level, working within the City's 92 parks, Local Nature Reserves and greenspaces to promote awareness, understanding and care of Glasgow's natural heritage and undertake the Council's Biodiversity duties. 

The work of a Countryside Ranger is very varied, with core areas being:-

1. Volunteers & Biodiversity Action

2. Working with Communities

3. Outdoor Learning

4. Junior Rangers

5. Countryside Walks & Events

6. Wildlife Surveys

7. Promotion of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code

8. Corporate Conservation Days

How can I get involved?

There are many different ways you can join in/or we can join you:-

1. Volunteering and Practical Tasks
   Download a volunteer application form from the panel on the right,
   Find out more about Glasgow Flower Power Wildflower Nursery 
   Follow Glasgow Flower Power on Facebook
   Participate in Wildlife Surveys i.e. Butterfly, WeBs, and Fossorial Water Vole

2. Schools, Nurseries or Colleges
   Teacher CPD
   Careers days
   Work Experience/Placements
   Employability/skills (and ASL)
   Outdoor learning and CfE topic studies - download a booking form
   Forest Schools/Nurseries Outdoor Play - download a Permission to Use form Permission to Use form [231kb]

3. Ranger-led Guided Walks & Events
   Check the Upcoming Events pages to find out what is on in your area
   50+ program of walks and talks - download the diary of dates from the panel on the right
   Access for all - We are keen to encourage everybody to join in. If you have any disabilities or special needs and want to take part in an event, but aren't sure if you can manage, please contact us so that we can do our best to accommodate you.

4. We attend Community events, talks or meetings and offer specialists expertise when it comes to managing people, nature and wildlife.

Supporting Communities in Greening Glasgow

If you are part of a Thriving Places project, Friends of Glasgow Park or Stalled Spaces and looking to enhance a green space in your community for biodiversity then the Countryside Ranger in your area could help support your group. 

As part of the Natural Environment Team, within Parks Development we are in an ideal position to offer specialist advice and practical know-how and equipment as well as connect your group to other key officers within the council and across our partners Buglife, Butterfly Conservation, Froglife and RSPB.

Contact: The Senior Countryside Ranger, A Greig 0141 287 9001 or email allison.greig@glasgow.gov.uk

Scottish Outdoor Access Code

You have the right to be on most land and inland water for recreation, education and going from place to place, provided you act responsibly. Read more about outdoor access

The Scottish Outdoor Access Code has been produced by Scottish Natural Heritage to give guidance on your responsibilities when exercising access rights.

If you suspect a Wildlife Crime, Call Police Scotland on 101 to report a wildlife crime and ask for a crime number or email us at Contactus@scotland.pnn.police.uk .  

Although any officer can investigate wildlife crime, every Division in Police Scotland has a Wildlife Crime Liaison Officer and there are also a network of part time Wildlife Crime Officers across the force. These officers can be contacted to report crime or to seek advice on wildlife crime matters.