Get in touch with the Countryside Ranger Service if you have an interest in local wildlife or conservation.

Ranger Service LogoWest Dunbartonshire Countryside Ranger Service offers outdoor learning and public countryside events, guided walks and opportunities for volunteers interested in wildlife surveying and practical conservation. 

The Service is based at Balloch Castle Country Park and covers both the park and other countryside and nature sites throughout West Dunbartonshire.

Come and enjoy West Dunbartonshire's fantastic parks and open spaces! Whether it is the stunning scenery of Loch Lomond or dramatic views of the River Clyde you are after, West Dunbartonshire has got it covered.

There are many different ways you can join in/or we can join you:

Volunteering and Practical Tasks

Schools, Nurseries or Colleges

  • Teacher CPD
  • Careers days
  • Outdoor learning and CfE topic studies
  • Forest Schools/Nurseries Outdoor Play

Ranger-led Guided Walks & Events

Check the Events pages to find out what is on in your area
Access for all - We are keen to encourage everybody to join in. If you have any disabilities or special needs and want to take part in an event, but aren't sure if you can manage, please contact us so that we can do our best to accommodate you.

We attend Community events, talks or meetings and offer specialist expertise when it comes to managing people, nature and wildlife.

You have the right to be on most land and inland water for recreation, education and going from place to place, provided you act responsibly.

The Scottish Outdoor Access Code has been produced by Nature Scot to give guidance on your responsibilities when exercising access rights.

If you suspect a Wildlife Crime, Call Police Scotland on 101 to report a wildlife crime and ask for a crime number or email Contactus@scotland.pnn.police.uk.  

Although any officer can investigate wildlife crime, every Division in Police Scotland has a Wildlife Crime Liaison Officer and there are also a network of part time Wildlife Crime Officers across the force. These officers can be contacted to report a crime or to seek advice on wildlife crime matters.