| |
The development of a Ranger Service for
Mull and Iona arose from two main strands of work:
The Mull and Iona Community Trust was set up in 1997 to implement
the community led Regeneration Strategy written in 1996. As
an island based charity, run by a board of local volunteers
the Trust has within its Objects two key aims:
To promote trade and industry for the benefit of the general
public, and
To protect and / or preserve the environment for the benefit
of the general public.
The Trust led the first phase of community consultation which
provided input into an Scottish Natural Heritage funded report
on a Visitor Management and Interpretative Strategy for Mull
and Iona, published in May 1999. One key recommendation of this
research was that a Countryside Ranger Service should be set
up. SNH (a major funder of ranger services) was keen to assist.
A parallel development came from Forestry Commission Scotland
- FCS. Thus a partnership approach led to a full time post in
1999, and the Mull Eagle Watch Partnership has enabled a seasonal
ranger to be employed for the last 5 years.
Argyll and Bute Council joined the
steering group and the Ranger Service is now the first port
of contact for access issues to Mull and Iona. In 2010 the National
Trust for Scotland and the Community Trust entered into an agreement
to provide a Ranger for the Ross of Mull, the Burgh and Iona.
The Mull and Iona Ranger Service provides:
- warm welcome to our islands of Mull
and Iona
-
an information
service, to locals and visitors alike, on all countryside
matters such as walks, fishing, wildlife, cycling, access
and camping
- an opportunity to share in the
knowledge of the cultural and natural heritage of our islands
through guided walks, talks and outdoor activities
- an ongoing process of planning and monitoring
of all recreational facilities and access opportunities so
that we can best meet the needs of locals and visitors
- and a liaison service between land managers
and public users
Mull and Iona Ranger Service
Forestry Commission Scotland Offices
Salen, Aros, Isle of Mull, PA72 6JS
Tel:01680 300640 / Email: click
here
|
|
|
