Ranger Services
Since mid-2024, Tayvallich Initiative (TI) has provided a ranger service on community-owned land. From June 2024 this work was funded by a two-year award from the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation (EFF) for an Access and Inclusion Project to improve access to and involvement in the natural environment of Tayvallich and help to preserve and protect the unique habitats and species of the land which TI is in guardianship of. Some of this land is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Find more information about the SSSI status on the NatureScot website: Tayvallich Juniper and Coast SAC
A further award from Highlands and Islands Environment Foundation (HIEF) facilitated work on clearance of Rhododendron ponticum, in late 2025, with a second round of work in late 2026.
Core to this project are our Community Rangers. The rangers each work one day a week, with flexibility depending on projects in hand. From June 2024, Sally Logue and Rowan Aitchison worked, with Thorkil Osborn replacing Rowan in April 2026. The Tayvallich Community Rangers are active across the community land, running events, workshops, walks and talks, and facilitating practical conservation activities. Keep an eye on this page to stay up to date with what is going on.
We plan to continue with the Ranger roles through general donations (please get in touch if you’d like to support this work), and further awards from foundations and charities (again, please get in touch if you have ideas for project proposals).
Community Ranger Events
Seasonal guided walks, work parties and workshops take place throughout the year and are advertised on the Tayvallich community google group, on the village shop notice board and the TI social media sites:
Subscribe to the Community Ranger Workshops, Projects and Events Mailing List to stay up to date with all that is going on
Community Projects
The Access and Inclusion project is all about getting people involved, learning new skills, and about the amazing land we share. If anyone would like to get involved and run an activity we are here to help you do that … Do you have a hobby or skill you’d like to share with the community? We can help you set up a workshop and share your knowledge and joy.
Another of the Community Ranger roles is to preserve and protect the habitats and species. All nature conservation work on the land will be guided by conservation management plans and agreed with NatureScot. Community work parties to benefit wildlife species and habitats are an important element of the Rangers’ programme of activities. These work parties have included removal of Himalayan balsam and Sitka spruce, control of Rhododendron ponticum, improvement of the peat bogs for the dragonfly and damselfly, etc. Additionally, part of the Old Carsaig Road was upgraded in spring 2026, and donations and funding are sought to enable the upgrading of further sections of the track.
Further Information
Contact Details
Rangers Sally and Thorkil
Email ranger@tayvallichinitiative.org
Other information
NatureScot: www.nature.scot
Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI): Tayvallich Juniper and Coast Special Area of Conservation
Scottish Outdoor Access Code: outdooraccess-scotland.scot
Tayvallich Community Ranger work is possible thanks to the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Highlands and Islands Environment Foundation, and general donations to Tayvallich Initiative