Daisy King, from Junior Ranger to Board Member
For #GreenCareersWeek locally elected Board Member for the Callander Ward, Daisy King, reflects on how her time as a National Park Junior Ranger sparked a lifelong passion for the environment and inspired her journey into protecting and championing nature.
Having grown up in the National Park, I’ve always been surrounded by nature. During secondary school, I was offered the opportunity to take part in the Junior Ranger programme run by the National Park Authority. This introduced me at a young age to the wide range of careers connected to the National Park, while giving me the chance to participate in a variety of activities with Rangers whose enthusiasm for their work was infectious. It allowed me to develop a passion for the environment and gain valuable insights and experiences that have shaped the path I am on today.
After my experience of being a Junior Ranger, I pursued scientific subjects and developed a love for biology. When it came time to choose a degree, I went on to study Animal sciences and Environmental Sciences. I gained new skills, explored different specialisms and career paths, and had opportunities to work in the field. I also built knowledge in ecology and conservation, wildlife management, biodiversity monitoring, environmental assessment, data analysis and much more.
After graduating from university, I continued my personal development by applying to become a locally elected member of the National Park Authority Board. Since then, the role has given me a completely new perspective on a place where I’ve grown up, volunteered and worked. While I already knew the National Park well, being part of the Board has helped me better understand the opportunities and challenges it faces, from the climate crisis to making sure rural communities and businesses thrive in the face of growing uncertainty, as well as the many different interests, viewpoints and priorities that come together to shape its future. I am continuing to gain skills and knowledge that contribute to both my personal development and professional career, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be involved in discussions and decisions that will influence the future of a landscape I care deeply about.
Looking back, it is incredible to think that getting involved as a Junior Ranger helped lead me to a position where I can play a part in helping shape the future of the National Park and the communities, people and nature it supports.
I’d encourage anyone interested in the National Park and nature to keep an eye out for opportunities to get involved. You never know where that first experience might lead.