New Beginnings at Loch Ken
There’s something special about standing by the loch early in the day — the quiet, the movement of the water, the sense that this place holds many stories. It feels like the perfect setting for a new beginning.
My name is Rachael, and I’m really excited to have joined Loch Ken Trust as the Ranger Volunteer Coordinator. This role brings together so many of the things that matter deeply to me: community, inclusion, wellbeing, nature, and meaningful volunteering. It feels like a natural fit — not just a role, but a chance to be part of something that genuinely cares about people and place.
Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do at Loch Ken Trust. My passion is creating opportunities where people feel supported, valued, and confident to get involved — whether they’re stepping into volunteering for the first time or returning to something they’ve loved before. Everyone has something to offer, and everyone deserves to feel welcome.
Outside of work, I’m a busy human juggling life, family, and a deep love for community-led projects. I care deeply about fairness, connection, and supporting wellbeing — especially for those who don’t always feel represented or included. Being part of a community-led organisation that shares those values feels incredibly meaningful.
At the centre of Loch Ken Trust’s work is our Ranger Service. Established in 2021, it is one of Scotland’s first community-led Ranger Services, led by our Head Ranger, Leanne. The Rangers carry out regular patrols on land and water throughout the year, in all weather, keeping an eye on wildlife, visitor safety, and the health of the landscape we care for.
There’s no such thing as a typical day for a Ranger. One day might involve Wetland Bird Surveys, another delivering outdoor learning sessions for young people, overseeing water safety initiatives, or working on projects that build environmental resilience. Regular patrols often include chatting with visitors, sharing knowledge about the area, and helping people understand how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly through the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Alongside this, Rangers work closely with partner organisations, gathering visitor information and incident reports that help shape wider visitor management across Scotland.
Much of this work happens quietly in the background, but its impact is felt every day. Through conservation work, litter picks, and working alongside the community, the Ranger Service helps protect natural habitats and ensures Loch Ken remains a welcoming, beautiful place for everyone.
Volunteering plays a vital role in this. Many people think volunteering requires experience, fitness, or long-term commitment — but that isn’t the case here. Volunteering with Loch Ken Trust is about people first. It’s about connection, learning, and spending time in a place that matters. Whether someone wants to be outdoors, meet new people, try something creative, or simply give something back, there’s space to explore what feels right, with friendly, ranger-led support every step of the way.
Creativity is also an important part of community connection, which is why we’re excited to begin a new Community Wall Art Project in the Castle Douglas area. Art has the power to tell stories, spark conversations, and transform shared spaces. This project will be about more than paint on a wall — it will be about bringing people together, encouraging participation, and creating something the community can feel proud of.
Caring for community also means supporting one another when it matters most. Alongside environmental work, Loch Ken Trust supports initiatives such as the Glenkens Community Cardiac Responders. These dedicated volunteers are trained to respond to out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, providing vital care in the crucial minutes before an ambulance arrives. Regular training sessions help build skills and confidence, ensuring responders are ready when they’re needed.
Everything we do at Loch Ken Trust is guided by clear values — inclusion, respect, environmental responsibility, transparency, trust, objectivity, and equity. These aren’t just words on a page; they shape how we work, how we listen, and how we support both our community and the environment we care for.
As I settle into my role, I’m really looking forward to meeting volunteers, rangers, partners, and community members, and to working together to protect and care for Loch Ken. Whether you’re already involved, thinking about volunteering, or simply enjoy spending time here, you’re part of this story.
This is a place worth caring for — and it’s a privilege to be part of it.
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