Volunteers completed more than 250 hours of work at Drumlanrig’s Ranger sessions throughout 2017.
And on the back of the successful year, the Estate team is calling on more people to get involved – so if it’s your New Year’s resolution to learn new skills, it’s the perfect opportunity.
Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate hosts fortnightly Monday morning Ranger sessions, providing a chance to get behind the scenes on this popular Estate and make a positive contribution to the local area.
Green-fingered participants who volunteer at Drumlanrig can assist the experienced Rangers with an array of practical tasks ranging from managing access paths and tracks to building pond platforms and conducting conservation surveys.
Richard Clarke, Countryside Ranger at Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate, said: “We take great pride in our work providing Ranger services across the Estate and we truly love what we do. Our volunteer sessions are a great way to share knowledge and spend time with like-minded people.
“There are so many benefits of being outdoors and learning new skills. We hope new volunteers will be encouraged this year as it’s an ideal way to blow away some of the cobwebs following an indulgent festive period.”
Last year’s volunteers constructed bridges, built benches, resurfaced paths and supported the ranger service stand at Galloway Country Fair and the Christmas Fair.
Local couple Simon and Maxine Green, from Moniaive, have enjoyed the Drumlanrig Volunteer Ranger initiative for two years and are now regular visitors to the Estate as part of the scheme.
Simon said: “Being keen walkers ourselves, volunteering has made us appreciate the work that goes into maintaining the paths and tracks, helping to make the Estate more accessible to others.
“It’s a great way to learn new skills whilst enjoying the sights and sounds of the countryside. You don’t need any experience as the rangers are always keen to pass on their knowledge.
“The Ranger sessions give us a sense of achievement at the end of the day and are a great way to meet new people.”
Richard continued: “Our volunteers like Simon and Maxine have a great deal of enthusiasm which is brilliant, especially when they can see first-hand the contribution they have made to the Estate.
“Anyone over the age of 18 is welcome as our sessions are open to all abilities and skill levels.”
The first Volunteer Ranger sessions for 2018 at Drumlanrig will take place from 10.30am – 2.30pm on Monday 15 and 29 January and Monday 12 and 26 February.
To join the Rangers at Drumlanrig or to find out more, call 01848 331555 or email [email protected].
Visitor season at Drumlanrig is from 10am – 5pm daily from Friday 30 March to Sunday 30 September with the Castle open for tours on varying dates from 30 March to 31 August.
The Estate remains open throughout the year.
Visit www.drumlanrigcastle.co.uk for further information and keep track of what’s happening at Drumlanrig via the Facebook page @DrumlanrigCastle.
