A large part of our job as a High Life Countryside Ranger is community engagement and environmental education. So it was really heartening to have a young person ask to join us for work experience as they explore a career in the living sciences and conservation. Sixteen year old Juliana MacCallum swapped her role as student at High School of Dundee for the work of a ranger. We are positive you will enjoy reading Juliana’s account of her week long work experience with the Caithness team.
“My name is Juliana and I have just completed a week of work experience with the Caithness Rangers Paul, Patti and Kirsty in Dunnet.
Julianna MacCallum is enrolled on the High Life Highland Leadership Programme
I chose to do some work experience with them as I remembered when Rangers would visit my primary school and teach us about wildlife. This made me want to do my experience with them because I believe that keeping young people interested in wildlife is key to make sure that we all continue to do our part to reverse the damage we, as humans, have done to the environment.
During the week, I was surprised at just how many projects the rangers are involved in helping with. Each day was different from the next.
Making wildflower seed balls
Throughout the week I helped out at a Bumblebee Walk at Thurso Riverside, as well as checking bird boxes for chicks. I also aided in improving a wildflower bed in Wick, helped with a litter pick and beach activities for a visiting school and finally visited another school to help teach them of the importance of bees, butterflies and wildflowers in the ecosystem.
I would have to say my favourite part of the week was definitely learning about the need for wildflowers in all environments and also how to communicate and teach the importance of wildlife preservation to school children.
I would definitely recommend doing work experience with the rangers to anyone with an interest in our environment.
Young Children with their seed balls
I also want to thank Paul, Patti and Kirsty for taking me for my work experience week and for teaching me what a ranger does.”
As well as gaining valuable experience Juliana was also able to join the Highlife Highland Young Leaders programme where her hours spent with us can count towards a SQA leadership award. You can find out more about the leadership programme here:
The Ranger Service are open to working with volunteers, both young and old. Volunteering with the rangers provides opportunities to learn new skills, gain experience, improve mental and physical health, and build confidence. It can also be a great way to meet new people, make friends, and contribute to your local community while spending time in some of the most spectacular landscapes in our country. Get in touch with your local ranger if you would like to find out more about volunteering.
