Lindsay Warner is a highly passionate countryside ranger at Glencoe National Nature Reserve (NNR), managed by the National Trust for Scotland. She shares a deep-rooted love for all forms of nature, spanning from plants to wee creatures, and everything in between.
“I was always on the lookout for a ‘welly-boot job,’ but it was only after reading the job description for a ranger position that I truly understood my calling,” says Lindsay.
Having spent her childhood on the Isle of Mull, Lindsay pursued studies in marine biology and zoo conservation. Moving to Glencoe was a significant step, undertaken 11 years ago. During her initial year in Glasgow, she volunteered with the ranger team.
“Before becoming official staff members, every ranger I’ve known has spent time volunteering with multiple organisations,” Lindsay adds. Her consistent efforts and dedication eventually led to her landing a role at Glencoe NNR, thus fulfilling her long-held desire.
The National Trust for Scotland is responsible for the upkeep of eight NNRs, including Glencoe, Ben Lawers, Corrieshalloch, Mar Lodge Estate, Torridon, St Abb’s Head, Staffa, and St Kilda. All of these locations are managed by a team of devoted conservation experts, including Lindsay.
Since 2014, funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery have facilitated nine ranger posts at the Trust’s NNRs and enabled a gamut of vital conservation projects across the reserves and other entrusted wild areas.
(Image: Iain Ferguson)
“Thanks to the support I received through the People’s Postcode Lottery players, I have been able to contribute to the Trust’s Love our Nature project,” shares Lindsay.
As a NNR ranger, there’s never a regular day in her life. On some days, Lindsay might be busy digging a ditch or clearing invasive non-native plants like rhododendron ponticum or Sitka spruce. Other times, she assists with path maintenance, educates local school children about nature, or guides visitors during Land Rover safaris and walks.
Lindsay’s most cherished aspect of her job tends to be survey work. She admits, “On a fine sunny day, I get to thoroughly enjoy the bumblebee and butterfly surveys. These surveys naturally make you move at a slower pace, allowing you to observe much more than just the creatures you’re surveying. It’s a peaceful experience that highlights the appeal of working outdoors in Glasgow, especially in locations as special as Glencoe.”
