…was appointed in November 2004, under the auspices of the island’s Development Trust. The part-time post is funded until March 2009, and the funders over the duration of the project include Scottish Natural Heritage, Orkney Enterprise, Orkney Islands Council,the EU’s Community Economic Development Fund, as well as Sanday’s Community Council and Tourism Association.
The principal aims of the Ranger are:
1. To ensure a welcome for visitors to the island. Through the summer, there are weekly, informal, ‘Welcome’ presentations at Sanday Community School. The Ranger is available at his home/office every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 12.30-1.30 p.m. from May to September – and of course can be contacted at other times by telephone (01857-600341) or email (ranger@sanday.co.uk)
2. To mediate between public use and other rural land uses Guidance for visitors, and copies of the ‘Outdoor Access Codes’, are provided to minimise disturbance to wildlife and to farming activities in a community that is dependent on agriculture. A free ‘Walking Guide’ is available for visitors, illustrating and describing eight routes in a wide variety of habitats.
3. To promote awareness and understanding of the natural heritage A full programme of guided walks, events and activities has been planned for 2006. This is contained in the summer calendar produced by OCEAN (Orkney Community Environmental Awareness Network), and will be posted on the Development Trust’s Website calendar by the end of April. A free leaflet highlighting Sanday’s rich archaeological heritage is available locally – or on receipt of an A5 stamped addressed envelope.
4. To care for and enhance the natural heritage enjoyed by visitors One of the first activities of the year is participation in the Orkney-wide ‘Bag-the-Bruck’ beach clean. In 2005 and 2006 a plot of land next to the Ranger’s house is being used in collaboration with Orkney College’s Agronomy Institute, to trial the growth of six ‘alternative’ crops. Visitors are especially welcomed to find out more about this Biodiversity plot – the crops it contains and the wildlife it attracts.
Contact: Sanday Ranger: Roderick Thorne, Nearhouse, SANDAY, Orkney KW17 2BW 01857-600341 ranger@sanday.co.uk
| Page Last Updated - 22 October 2008 | |
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