Rory the Ranger to drive community spirit at Bowhill

20th December, 2013

Visitors to Bowhill will see a new face on the Estate as new Ranger, Rory Powell, has joined the team.

The 28-year-old, who has taken the role as a Countryside Learning and Engagement Ranger, will work closely with community groups and schools in the Selkirk area and encourage people to take advantage of the beautiful wildlife and woodlands.

The outdoors enthusiast will be responsible for developing and leading a programme of outdoor activities as well as an outdoor education programme.

He said: “I’m very excited to have taken up the role at Bowhill and can’t wait to lead a range of outdoor activities. I plan to put together a new education booklet for 2014 so youngsters can have fun and have a valuable learning experience at the same time.

“I am also exploring the possibility of starting up wildlife and outdoors clubs for school children. I think it’s great for kids to have their own little piece of garden to look after as it sends out an important message about looking after the environment around you.”

After moving to Edinburgh from his hometown of Forres in the northeast of Scotland, Rory spent a year in Canada travelling around British Columbia and Vancouver Island.

On his return to Scotland in 2010, Rory wanted to indulge in his love of nature and moved to the Peak District National Park as well as studying for a first-class honours degree in Adventure Tourism and Countryside Management.

A keen rock climber and mountain biker, the new Ranger hopes to share his passion for energetic hobbies as well as participating in a range of community engagement initiatives, some of which are already underway.

Rory added: “I’m especially enjoying working with community groups and I’m hoping to get a volunteer programme up and running next year. At the moment, we have a group set up working with vulnerable adults and we’re planning to build up a relationship working with a local occupational therapist too.

“We have opportunities for people to come along and work with wildlife on the grounds or carry out practical conservation work such as clearing woodland so I would urge anyone who is interested to get in touch.”

With ten years’ experience working with the public, Rory is eager to get outdoors and start to meet and greet guests at Bowhill Estate.

Anyone who wants to find out more about volunteering opportunities can email Rory at rpowell@buccleuch.com or call 01750 22204.