The Nature of Scotland
The Nature of Scotland The Nature of Scotland
3 4 3 The Rangers use skills and techniques developed from their traditional competencies to good effect throughout the course. 4 Gentle exercise and guided walks form a key part of the ‘Branching Out’ approach. 5 Art is a core component when it comes to building confidence and improving self-esteem. 16 The Nature of Scotland
5 “‘Branching Out’ fits well with volunteering, health benefits and skills development.” ‘Branching Out’ fits extremely well with the Regional Park’s strategic priorities around volunteering, health benefits and skills development. So much so that the Clyde Muirshiel Park Authority is committed to the longterm development of this programme and it is now engaged in a programme of training staff in Scottish Mental Health First Aid, ‘Branching Out’ Leader Training and Food Hygiene courses. ‘Branching Out’ is one of the activity options in the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) Get Active Scheme, launched by Ambassador (and record-breaking Olympic cyclist) Sir Chris Hoy. Their independent evaluation showed that an impressive 91% of 600 participants felt happier after their involvement. High attendance and retention rates, particularly when compared with other activity programmes in non-countryside locations, are a clear measure of success. Physical health benefits are also recognised. However, often it is the effect the programme has on the individual which is the most telling and powerful outcome. Amongst the benefits that people notice after attendance are improved sleep and confidence whilst others note weight-loss through gentle exercise such as guided walks. The benefits to well-being are clear and one participant summed it up neatly: “I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and have gained immense confidence and self-esteem as a result. The changes I’ve seen in myself (and been told about by others) have led to other positive improvements. The ‘Branching Out’ programme is very beneficial and does have an impact on people’s lives.” This model has been successfully adopted by Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park since 2010 and has been tailored to the skills of the Ranger Service and the Regional Park’s stunning locations. However, it has been a highly collaborative exercise and the Regional Park staff are working closely with all partners and are grateful for the financial aid and support provided by Forestry Commission Scotland. To find out more about ‘Branching Out’ go to www.forestry.gov.uk/ branchingout For more information on ‘Branching Out’ at Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, email info@clydemuirshiel.co.uk or call 01505 614 791. For more information on SAMH’s Get Active Scheme visit www. samh.org.uk/our-work/nationalprogrammes/get-active www.snh.gov.uk 17
- Page 1 and 2: Scottish Natural Heritage Autumn /
- Page 3 and 4: Contents Features 10 Natural inspir
- Page 5 and 6: Welcome Alison Bell Principal Advis
- Page 7 and 8: Dung ho! They’re built like minia
- Page 9 and 10: Winter Daylight hours are few now,
- Page 11 and 12: Winter Branches of learning Look at
- Page 13 and 14: 1 Year of Natural Scotland 2013 is
- Page 15 and 16: www.snh.gov.uk 13
- Page 17: It’s an unpleasant fact but it is
- Page 21 and 22: SNH PINS its notices on new online
- Page 23 and 24: NEWS Basking shark tagging project
- Page 25 and 26: 1 Red kite recovery features promin
- Page 27 and 28: 1 A new funding package should help
- Page 29 and 30: 3 4 www.snh.gov.uk 27
- Page 31 and 32: It has been another poor summer wea
- Page 33 and 34: Gocan na Cuthaig Tha abairt ann an
- Page 35 and 36: Centre manager Colin Seddon stresse
- Page 37 and 38: “A key aspect of our new centre i
- Page 39 and 40: Caerlaverock National Nature Reserv
- Page 41 and 42: 3 2 The path divides at this point
- Page 43 and 44: 6 Essential information Caerlaveroc
- Page 45 and 46: SNH Area News Forth Correspondents:
- Page 47 and 48: SNH Area News Southern Scotland Cor
- Page 49 and 50: SNH Area News Tayside and Grampian
- Page 51 and 52: Green tourism is one of Scotland’
- Page 53 and 54: Glasgow’s Countryside Rangers hav
- Page 55 and 56: 4 Scotland where wild whooper swans
- Page 57 and 58: 6 5 Countryside Rangers offer valua
- Page 59 and 60: Climate change and more extreme wea
- Page 61 and 62: 1 Black grouse seen displaying by a
- Page 63 and 64: 3 More than just a peat bog We have
- Page 65 and 66: More than just some hills The very
- Page 67 and 68: www.snh.gov.uk 65
3<br />
4<br />
3<br />
<strong>The</strong> Rangers use<br />
skills and techniques<br />
developed from<br />
their traditional<br />
competencies to<br />
good effect throughout<br />
the course.<br />
4<br />
Gentle exercise<br />
and guided walks<br />
form a key part <strong>of</strong><br />
the ‘Branching Out’<br />
approach.<br />
5<br />
Art is a core<br />
component when it<br />
comes to building<br />
confidence and<br />
improving self-esteem.<br />
16 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Nature</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Scotland</strong>
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