ANGUSalive Expands Junior Ranger Programme with New Sessions at Forfar Loch

Young people across Angus with a passion for nature and the outdoors will soon have even more opportunities to get involved in practical conservation work, as ANGUSalive expands its popular Junior Ranger programme to Forfar Loch Country Park.

Building on the success of the established programme at Crombie Country Park, the new sessions will provide young people aged 11–18 with hands-on experiences that develop environmental knowledge, practical skills and confidence in the outdoors.

The new Junior Ranger group at Forfar Loch Country Park will meet monthly on Saturdays from 1 August to 5 December 2026, between 1pm and 3pm.

Callum Lyall, Countryside Ranger said of the projects expansion

“It has been great to see the enthusiasm and commitment from our Junior Rangers in supporting the wildlife and habitats found in Crombie Country Park. We are delighted to be expanding this project to Forfar Loch Country Park, allowing more young people to get involved.”

Working alongside ANGUSalive Countryside Rangers, participants will take part in a variety of conservation activities, helping to care for local habitats and wildlife while learning about the natural environment.

The expansion reflects ANGUSalive’s commitment to providing more opportunities for young people to connect with nature and play an active role in protecting Angus’s outdoor spaces.

The existing Junior Ranger programme at Crombie Country Park will continue to run monthly on Sundays from 7 June to 6 December 2026, from 1pm to 3pm.

The long-running programme has introduced many young people to conservation and countryside management, with participants regularly supporting practical projects throughout the park.

Marcus Cribb, Country Parks Operations Lead added

“It has been wonderful to see so many young people join our Countryside Rangers from ANGUSalive at our country parks already. The countryside we look after is part of a really important ecosystem, and one of the most important things for it not only to survive, but to thrive, is the next generation.

Through Junior Rangers we hope to inspire that next generation, whilst they carry out practical outdoor task and learn new skills, improving their teamwork, problem-solving and leadership skills, which feels really important today, whilst also learning about biodiversity, habitat management and the role of Countryside Rangers in caring for the countryside. It is a real sign of success that we are expanding the junior rangers to Forfar Loch, and I know that young people especially will benefit from this practical task, in the outdoors, but also on their doorstep.

Hopefully some of the young people attending are the rangers of the future or they will champion the role of rangers in Angus and wider as well as actively contributing towards the care of the countryside, in our country parks, so I encourage them to come along!”

Participants can also work towards the official Junior Ranger Award from the Scottish Countryside Rangers Association (SCRA), recognising their commitment to developing the practical skills and knowledge associated with Ranger work.

Whether aspiring Rangers, budding environmentalists or simply young people who enjoy spending time outdoors, the programme offers a rewarding way to learn new skills, make friends and contribute positively to the local community.

Young people attending should be prepared to spend the full session outdoors and wear suitable clothing and sturdy footwear.

For more information about Junior Ranger sessions at Crombie Country Park and Forfar Loch Country Park, or to book a place, visit WHAT’S ON