Case Studies

Sanday Development Trust

The ranger provides a service which is used widely by the community, in the form of his guided walks and tours. He also attracts visitors to the island, which benefits the local economy.

The Sanday Development Trust has received a series of annual grants (£16,400 to date) to support its ongoing work, including the post of the Sanday Ranger.

The Sanday Ranger develops appreciation, knowledge and engagement with the local environment of residents and visitors through a programme of annual events. These events include:

• walks
• site visits
• presentations
• outdoor activities based around local flora and fauna
• supporting schools based environmental education work
• developing & distributing suitable promotional material
• suporting strategic level environmental initiatives (such as monitoring wildlife numbers) in partnerhship with other bodies or agencies.

The services provided by the Ranger are regularly used. Both locals and visitors take part in the various walks, talks and minibus trips around the island.

In April/May 2008 alone, nine trips were organised involving over 150 people. Visitors appreciate how accessible and well organised the trips are and comment informally about how the trips add value to their visit to the island. As well as advertised events the Ranger can be contacted by phone and e-mail for more information on the history and natural history of the island.

The ranger service is also integrated with Sanday Community School. It leads school groups to such places as the lighthouse, rock-pooling etc. These activities support students’ environmental education and appreciation of Sanday’s natural heritage. Students are able to research and understand their natural environment in a very active way.

A local user of the Sanday Ranger service, said: “Despite all the benefits the ranger brings, it is very difficult to secure long term funding for his post. In such a small island community, the opportunities to generate any income through his activities are limited, and would never sustain the whole cost of the service. Therefore we are very grateful to the Spurness Fund for providing assistance with maintaining the post.” 

A ramble with the Sanday Ranger