COMMUNITY
APPEAL TO SAVE MULL AND IONA RANGER SERVICE Mull and Iona’s rangers are looking for funding to help save their service. Major cuts and changes in grant-giving priorities has put the outdoor service’s future at risk. To save it, the islands’ ranger service is calling for financial support by launching a fundraising campaign which NatureScot has agreed to match poundfor-pound up to a value of £6,000. For more than 20 years, the ranger service has run as part of Mull and Iona Community Trust (MICT). It was the first communityrun countryside ranger service in Scotland connecting communities and visitors with the islands’ landscapes, history and wildlife. Advising visitors on how to camp responsibly or on
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new funding appeal also has the best spots for wildlife the support of wildlife and watching, rangers host conservationist campaigner woodland play sessions Daniel Brooks from Ulva for parents and toddlers, Ferry draw inspiration through He said: ‘Nowhere is it outdoor adventures for more important to have a climate change action ranger service than here on with teenagers, work with schools and survey species- the Isle of Mull, the most popular wildlife tourism rich machair and seabird destination in colonies. the UK.’ Ranger Emily Mull Royal Wilkins, who Saving our Society for the works alongside ranger service Protection of a second is so important Birds officer ranger, added: for us all at Dave Sexton ‘It’s all in a said: ‘The day’s work for MICT and Mull and Iona us rangers and for the wider Ranger Service has become a community. does so much valued part of for our islands the community and needs our helping support. everyone enjoy the ‘Its work helps visitors, countryside responsibly.’ residents, young and not so As well as having the young, to appreciate and get backing of teachers among the most out of the amazing others from the islands, the
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| AUTUMN 2021
Mull & Iona Life issue 43.indd 12
05/10/2021 15:25:30
