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Discover the breathtaking wildness Giving back to of Glen Tanar National Nature Reserve in the the community and explore the Four young local men came to Glen Tanar National mountains, rivers Nature Reserve on a community service project and and moorland. With found it to be a life-changing experience thanks to practical conservation work on the Glen Tanar Estate. impressive ancient The Glen Tanar rangers took these young men on board and showed them how Caledonian pine forests rewarding helping people and the environment could be. Starting with simple jobs, and oakwoods that such as cutting and stacking firewood for the visitor centre stoves, the men quickly gradually thin into vast moved onto learning new skills including fencing, protecting trees from deer and the importance of habitats for wildlife. hillsides of heather, this glen near Aboyne has At the end of their time at Glen Tanar, the men felt that they had truly benefited from their experience. The initial culture shock of working in the outdoors was so different lots to offer. to their daily lives that they left the programme feeling inspired and motivated.

"The nature and landscape were enough to make me feel motivated about" my daily life

This project was organised by Glen Tanar Ranger Service. If you would like to organise a practical conservation project with the Glen Tanar Inspired? rangers, please contact 013398 86072 www.glentanar.co.uk

Here's how... Image copyrights: Lorne Gill/SNH Top things to do Wildlife watching Historic Aboyne Glen Tanar NNR has excellent Aboyne in Royal Deeside dates examples of ancient pine forests, back to the 17th century, although which provide a home to some of there has been a castle here since ’s most endangered species, the 13th century. Nearby Craigievar Glen Tanar including the Scottish crossbill, Castle is a baronial castle which has NNR capercaillie and red squirrel. Red and Jacobean artwork and furniture and roe deer are frequently seen and birds a delightful park with trails. Disabled of prey soar overhead. Guided Land parking is available and assistance Rover tours can be booked at the dogs are welcome in the castle. Estate Office. Craigievar Castle 0844 493 2174 Conservation volunteering Estate Office 013398 86451 If you would like to be involved in Adventure Activities hands-on practical conservation Walking and cycling This varied countryside provides many activities, the Ranger Service with the Glen Tanar has a network of opportunities for adventurous activities John Muir Trust hold regular monthly waymarked trails that lead through from mountain biking and karting to sessions. By prior arrangement, they farmland, native pine forest and archery and horse riding. can also organise wildlife monitoring along the River Tanar. Many trails are Visitor Information Centre where you can learn how to sample suitable for walking, mountain biking 013397 55306 and identify species in river, pond and and pony trekking. There are toilets at www.visitcairngorms.com woodland habitats. the entrance to the Reserve. Ranger Service 013398 86072 Visitor Centre 013398 86072 Walking to health Every Friday, the Ranger Service leads Ranger service a one-hour guided walk around the Glen Tanar has an active, friendly ranger Reserve for those who are starting service that organises a number of out or are unsure of their fitness events throughout the year, including level. A minibus picks up and drops for Red Squirrel Week and the Royal off people in Aboyne. Everyone is Deeside Venison Festival. They also welcome and you can enjoy a cup of arrange visits for a wide range of groups, tea and a chat afterwards. from pre-school to special interest. Ranger Service 013398 86072 Ranger Service 013398 86072

How to get here Access for all Further information Nearest train station is The Visitor Centre has accessible Scotland’s National Nature Reserves (30 miles) parking and toilets. Some of the trails www.nnr-scotland.org.uk Scotrail 08457 550033 are fully accessible. Visit Cairngorms www.firstscotrail.com www.visitcairngorms.com Nearest bus stop is Aboyne (3 miles) Accommodation Glen Tanar Estate has a campsite, Glen Tanar Ranger Service Northern Bluebird 01224 212266 which can be booked in advance. It and Visitor Centre Community Travel Grant also has holiday cottages, all of which www.glentanar.co.uk http://outdoors4all.org.uk/ctg.html welcome walkers. One of the cottages [email protected] is a designated assisted disabled 013398 86072 Pick up a copy of The Cairngorms property. Explorer leaflet in the Visitor Glen Tanar Estate Office Information Centre for useful [email protected] information about how to get to and 013398 86451 around the Park without a car. Staying longer? Ballater Visitor Information Centre Eating Explore nearby: 013397 55306 There are a number of restaurants in • Balmoral, Royal Deeside nearby Aboyne. • Linn of Dee • Muir of NNR