Grantee: RSPB Scotland 

Duration: May – September 2022

Background

The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic saw an increase in visits to national parks, nature reserves, and areas of natural beauty. Along with the positive impacts of this trend, such as increased health and well-being of the population, challenges were encountered in some locations regarding harm to wildlife.

Abernethy Nature Reserve, in the Cairngorms National Park, saw a dramatic rise in visitor numbers. The National Park for example, received one million visitors in just six weeks in summer 2020.

This increase posed a risk to the wildlife at Abernethy – “Scotland’s largest surviving remnant of ancient native Caledonian pinewood”. In the summer of 2021, RSPB Scotland, who manage the site, received funding from NatureScot Better Place fund, to employ two rangers. Through outreach and education, they were able to better engage with visitors to the site, and manage the arising negative impacts on wildlife.

However, in 2022, this funding was unavailable, prompting an application to HIEF. In April 2022, HIEF awarded RSPB Scotland with a £14,645 grant towards the second year of the pilot programme.

The Pass of Ryvoan from Bynack Mor: the middle reaches of Abernethy National Nature Reserve, which stretches from the village of Nethy Bridge to the summit of Ben Macdui, Scotland’s second highest mountain.

Project Activities

Three part time rangers were hired in May 2022, and began a week of comprehensive training such as Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC) familiarisation and conflict management. The posts were then in place until September 2022.

Activities included:

• Regular patrols around the popular areas.
• Visitor engagement, which involved welcoming, educating, and promoting responsible behaviour.
• Addressing irresponsible behaviour, such as extinguishing fires and BBQ’s, requesting that dogs are kept under control, and collecting litter.
• Data collection of visitor interactions, enabling trend analysis and collaboration with National parks Authority and local businesses.
• Engaging with the local community, for example through a Whatsapp groups.

 

Outcomes and impact

• Protection of habitats and wildlife

Reduced fire risk: 28 fires extinguished and 12 old fire site cleared

Wildlife disturbance by dogs minimised

• Social impact

Enhanced visitor experience, through engaging with 2439 visitors, addressing concerns and providing guidance.

Promoted responsible visitor behaviour, emphasising the SOAC.

Strengthened local community ties, with overwhelming support from community councils.

The three seasonal rangers at Abernethy National Nature Reserve in 2022. Image courtesy of RSPB Scotland.