Natural Heritage Service
Background information on the Rangers
Originally the Ranger Service operated in Hillend and Bonaly Country Parks and the reservoirs owned and operated by Lothian Regional Council Department of Water and Drainage. As well as environmental education and interpretation, the Ranger Service was involved in fisheries management on Lothian Region reservoirs, including the operation of two fish farms. These activities ceased in 1986. The Ranger Service also ran a sailing school at Harperrig reservoir until 1994.
Staffing levels have varied over the years culminating in 14 full time staff and 3 seasonals in the mid 1990's. Local government re-organisation in 1997 saw Lothian Region discontinued and the Regional Park management replaced with a Joint Committee comprised of elected members from the three local authorities, whose administrative area, lay within the agreed Park boundary.
In 2003, the minute of agreement between the three local authorities was revised and further staffing changes made.
In 2012, the Pentland Hills Ranger Service and the City of Edinburgh Council Ranger Service merged to form the City of Edinburgh Council Natural Heritage Service. Currently the Service operates with:
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1 Natural Heritage and Regional Park Manager
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1 Senior Administrative Assistant
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3 Senior Natural Heritage Officers
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8 Main Grade Countryside Rangers
All staff are employed by the City of Edinburgh Council who act as managing authority for the Regional Park.
In 1997 the Pentland Hills Voluntary Ranger Service which operates alongside full time staff was formed.
Rangers continue to design and deliver environmental education programmes, create innovative interpretation, liase with farmers and landowners, supervise and train volunteer rangers, lead conservation groups, plan and manage access and recreation, write and implement biodiversity action plans as well as patrol the hills and engage with visitors. If you have any queries about the Pentland Hills Ranger Service please contact us.