The Highland Council's Countryside Rangers, in partnership with the Rangers from Moray Council, have launched their 2012 brochure featuring over 400 guided walks and events to encourage everyone to get out and explore the great outdoors and find out more about the animals that share it with us.
Some highlights in the programme of walks and events, that covers the whole of the Highlands and Moray, include Gruffalo children's activity days, long distance walks, mountain conservation days, whale and dolphin spotting, wild food foraging and gentle wildlife walks. There is something for everyone, no matter what age, level of fitness or interests.
Councillor Ian Ross, Chairman of The Highland Council's Planning, Environment and Development Committee said: "The 2012 programme is packed with lots of ideas to raise awareness and encourage appreciation of the wonderful scenery, wildlife, and heritage that we have. Our Countryside Rangers have a huge amount of knowledge and are experts at knowing just where to go to spot wildlife. They can offer advice and support and, as all the walks in the brochure are graded, anyone interested can get an idea of the level of fitness required.
"Having such a comprehensive list of events in a handy booklet makes it very easy to find out what is happening. This is an excellent opportunity not just for people who live here but also for visitors to get involved and take part in our wonderful great outdoors. With so many events on offer there really is something for everyone to enjoy."
New this year is a special Season Ticket to help people get the best value possible. The card is valid for hundreds of Ranger events, all over Highland, all year. Single tickets are £20 and family tickets (5 people, max 2 adults) are £40. They are available from your local ranger. Alternatively you can order one on 01463 702825 (credit card payments), ranger[AT]highland.gov.uk or by sending your address and a cheque (made payable to The Highland Council) to Countryside and Long Distance Routes, Planning and Development, Highland Council, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness IV3 5NX.
Also new this year is the collaboration between The Highland Council and Moray Rangers. Lynda Dodd who co-ordinated the project said: "This is the first year we have worked with our colleagues at Moray Council to co-ordinate including all of our events in the one booklet. This offers people a very practical way of finding out what is on in both of our areas. Another bonus is that by working together on the project we have been able to provide real value for money and a better resource for local businesses and individuals."
Copies of the booklet, listing all the opportunities that are running from April until the end of autumn, are now available free of charge. Please see online at www.highland.gov.uk/countrysiderangers for more details or get in touch by emailing ranger[AT]highland.gov.uk, or by telephoning 01463 702825 (Highland) or 01340 881266 (Moray).
