Volunteer Ranger Programme
Walk Volunteer Rangers
In 2007, the Countryside Access and Activities Network (CAAN) set up the Volunteer Ranger Programme. The aim of the programme is for volunteers to audit the 'Quality' walks in Northern Ireland as listed on WalkNI.com. The resulting information is then forwarded to the relevant land managers (through Product Management Groups) in order that they can carry out the necessary remediation work.
To date this has involved auditing of the long distance walks known as the “Way Marked Ways”, with Volunteer Rangers completing audits of these routes twice a year.
In autumn 2009 CAAN has extended the audit programme to include the short and medium distance walks as well as all Quality Sections of the newly relaunched Ulster Way. Out of a possible 198 quality short and medium length walks, 188 have been allocated to the Volunteer Rangers. The volunteers have again excelled themselves and at present all the extra 192 miles of the Quality Sections of the Ulster Way that had not previously been included within a Way Marked Way, have now also been allocated.
There are now 131 registered volunteers, with 71% of volunteers currently undertaking assessment work. The majority of rangers have received training on how to complete an audit and can now receive training in the use of a handheld GPS device.
The assessment of all 16 Ecotrails (www.ecotrailsni.com) has also been developed this season. We will be conducting an annual audit to ensure that a high quality product is available to those who have enjoyed or wish to enjoy the Ecotrails.
The Mourne Ranger Scheme was established by CAAN in 2009. Volunteer Rangers work in partnership with the Mourne Heritage Trust to carry out an annual audit of path erosion in the Mourne Mountains. The Countryside Team from the Mourne Heritage Trust has already been out fixing problems highlighted by the Mourne Rangers at locations such as the Brandy Pad. This, like all other work carried out by the Volunteer Rangers, is valuable and much appreciated.
Canoe Volunteer Rangers
The Canoe Ranger Programme was introduced in September of 2009. There are currently five canoe trails in Northern Ireland that have been developed by CAAN, these being on the Lower Bann, Lough Neagh, the Blackwater, Lough Erne and Strangford Lough. Details about each trail can be found on CanoeNI.com. Canoe Rangers have volunteered their time and have been allocated a canoe trail, the audits of which are currently underway. At present all canoe trails have been allocated.
Sponsorship
Since 2008, Cotswold, with a flagship store for outdoor clothing and equipment on the Boucher Crescent in Belfast, has been the sponsor of the Volunteer Ranger Programme, offering discount to CAAN's Volunteers. In 2009 CAAN has extended this partnership to include provision branded clothing for the Volunteers. A Berghaus gilet has been produced for active Walk Volunteer Rangers and Canoe Rangers.
Why Become a Ranger?
Being a Volunteer Ranger is a great opportunity to become an active member of the Northern Irish outdoor community. It also means that through their work the Volunteer Rangers can play a key role within CAAN. The significance and scope of the Volunteer Ranger Programme is growing and as such CAAN’s Operational Plan for 2009-2012 incorporates the ranger programme as a major component.
CAAN provide complimentary social and training events for the volunteers. For example a summer walk around County Downs’ Killard Point was organised and a training day held at Oxford Island, learning about the Leave No Trace principles and how as outdoor enthusiasts, we can leave less of an impact on our local environment.
Events happening in autumn and winter of 2009 and spring of 2010 are listed below:
- 30th November, 7pm - 9pm (Completed)
RSPB talk on Red Kite Reintroductions in Northern Ireland and Cotswold 20% Discount Shopping Night – Cotswold Store, Boucher Road, Belfast. Refreshments provided. - 16th January, 10am – 4pm (Completed)
Winter Walk from Holywood to Helens Bay – Meeting at Holywood Train Station Car Park, train back after the walk. Lunch provided. - 20th February, 10am – 4pm (Completed)
Recreational Paddle on the Lower Bann. Open canoe training will be provided in the morning, with a paddle down the river in the afternoon. Would suit beginners. Numbers limited. - 20th March, 10am – 3pm
Spring time at Blessingbourne – Guided tour of the House, Carriage Museum and Estate. Refreshments and lunch provided.
Please contact Diane for further information on any of the above or to book a place.
Diane Patterson
T: 028 9030 3935
E: diane@countrysiderecreation.com
Current Vacancies
Please see below for current vacancies within the Volunteer Ranger Programme.
Way Marked Ways:
none
Quality Ulster Way Sections:
none
Canoe Trails:
none
Ecotrails:
none
Quality Walks:
Comber Town Trail - Co.Down - Comber - 1.5 miles
Prehen Wood - Co.Londonderry - Londonderry - 1 mile
Ness Country Park - Co.Londonderry - Claudy - 3 miles
Ballymacran Bank - Co.Londonderry - Ballykelly - 1.5 miles
Ballykelly Bank - Co.Londonderry - Ballykelly - 2 miles
Please contact Diane at diane@countrysiderecreation.com for further details.
Future Work
One future project that CAAN wishes to carry out that would involve the contribution of the Volunteer Rangers, would be an Accessibility Audit of Quality Walks. The Accessibility Audit would involve the assessment of Quality Walks to provide accessibility information to those with mobility issues via the WalkNI website. Rangers would be asked to pair up with a person or group with mobility issues to highlight challenges faced when trying to complete a walk such as difficult surfaces, gradients or barriers. The presentation of this information in an easily digestible format would allow those with mobility issues to decide whether a walk was suitable for their level of need.
Another project that will be launched in autumn 2010 will be the Coastal Canoe Trails. The North Coast, the East Coast and South East Coast Canoe Trails will form one continuous trail along the Northern Irish Coastline. Canoe Rangers will be needed to sign up to certain sections and carry out assessments as they are currently doing. For more information on the Coastal Canoe Trails, please see the ‘Projects’ section of this website.
