Wet Feet, Wild Discoveries: Junior Rangers Dive into Curling Pond Conservation
Saranne takes us through a day at the Highland Folk Museum reviving history and enhancing habitats
I’d like to share with you an exciting day I had recently out in the field at the Highland Folk Museum, specifically at our old curling pond. This seemingly simple water body is part of a significant initiative we’re pioneering: the "Puddles to Ponds" project. This initiative not only aims to educate but is a vital environmental effort to enhance biodiversity.
Our day began bright and early, with the air filled with the eager chatter of the Cairngorm National Park Authority (CNPA) Junior Rangers. It was a special day, one where we were to gather baseline survey data of the curling pond—a key step in its much-needed restoration. The pond has seen better days it was once fed by a borehole but is now mostly dry, thanks to a series of dry summers and a damaged pond liner.
Armed with nets and bug pots and trays, our team of 25 Junior Rangers dove into the task at hand. Our mission? To understand what was living in these waters before starting the restoration work. We were accompanied by my colleagues Rangers Polly Freeman and Will George from the CNPA, and Liz English, the HLH Highland Folk Museum’s curator. Together, we provided a crash course in data collection—preparing our young enthusiasts to become budding citizen scientists.
The curling pond, currently more of a marshy puddle than a pond, presented a different landscape compared to the adjacent Sawmill Pond, which was brimming with water. Despite its dried out state, the curling pond offered us the season’s first glimpse of frogspawn—an exciting find for us all. Amidst the rushes and reeds, we also discovered palmate and common newts. Meanwhile, the Sawmill Pond was bustling with life; springtails, worms, freshwater shrimp, and a host of other species showcasing the diversity these small habitats support.
Our findings are important. They contribute to the biodiversity record and will inform the upcoming restoration work, ensuring we maintain and enhance this habitat thoughtfully, balancing its historical significance with its ecological value. This pond isn’t just a relic of curling history; it's poised to become a cornerstone in our local ecosystem, linking with nearby Loch Imrich and the River Spey.
This survey was part of our broader "Puddles to Ponds" project, which includes creating new small ponds across the Highland and engaging the community and schools in freshwater conservation. Each new pond, whether it’s in a school= ground or a community park, is a step towards creating resilient habitats for native wildlife, especially those species threatened by climate change and habitat loss.
Our work here aligns beautifully with the Highland Biodiversity Action Plan, contributing to a grander vision of nurturing biodiversity through practical conservation efforts. The day’s effort alone, the survey and subsequent educational activities, will enrich our forthcoming campaigns and PR efforts to draw more attention to the importance of these freshwater habitats.
As the day wrapped up, spirits were high despite the muddy boots and wet trousers. The enthusiasm of the Junior Rangers was infectious, a testament to the potential of engaging young minds in meaningful conservation work. Their hands-on involvement not only helps the environment but plants the seeds of responsibility and curiosity about the natural world.
And to top it off, our day was captured on film for the BBC's "Landward," set to air on the 25th of April. It’s an opportunity to showcase the vital work done here at the Highland Folk Museum and the broader efforts of High Life Highland and the CNPA – so tune in on Thursday to take a look at what we have been up to.
As we look forward, the restoration of the curling pond and the creation of new ponds within Highland are set to enhance over 800 square metres of freshwater habitat. It’s a bold step towards a future where both people and wildlife thrive together, supported by a network of vibrant, water-rich landscapes.
So join us as we continue to make strides in conservation and education, one pond at a time.
Saranne Bish - HLH Countryside Ranger for Badenoch, Strathpey and Nairnshire.
Saranne Bish is a consummate communicator and empathetic High Life Higland Ranger, with a life devoted to environmental stewardship. Her transition in 2002 from Ecological Surveying to Countryside Ranger for Nairn, Badenoch, and Strathspey marked a significant shift in her career. Saranne excels in educating and engaging with diverse audiences about the natural world, blending scientific knowledge with a warm, accessible approach. Her passion for conservation is matched by her skill in inspiring others, fostering a collective commitment to protecting our planet's fragile ecosystems. Her ability to connect with people and nature alike makes her a true advocate for the environment.
