Coll Jackson – National Park Junior Ranger
Fifteen-year-old Coll Jackson has been part of the National Park Junior Ranger Programme since he was 11 years old, taking part in a range of activities from water vole studies to ancient tree surveys.
When he first became aware about climate change and heard about deforestation, Coll looked at the beautiful forests in the National Park and was struck by why anyone would want to destroy such a thing, it was then he decided he wanted to help. Since that moment, Coll has been regularly volunteering his time to proactively protect the Park as a Junior Ranger.
Coll eventually wants to study archaeology and has a real passion Scottish history and how history has shaped our natural environment, and while the skills and knowledge Coll gets from taking part in these activities will stand him in good stead, the opportunity to simply connect to nature is just as important to him, and it’s this connection that has inspired him to dedicate hundreds of hours to protect the National Park.
“Nature is a place that I can go and feel at peace, and the first place I really felt relaxed and worriless. Whether it’s looking out at Balmaha from the summit of Conic Hill or in the woodlands of Glen Finglas, I feel carefree when I’m in nature”
Coll’s appreciation and understanding of nature from a young age really is an inspiration, and having people like him willing to dedicate time to protecting it makes us feel positive for the future of our special landscapes.