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23 Feb 2026

Jack’s year as a ranger volunteer at Glencoe 

Written by Rachael MacRae
A man wearing a navy Trust long-sleeved t-shirt stands in front of a wall with a patch of ferns in front of him. He is holding a litter picker.
Jack has enjoyed a year of volunteering at Glencoe NNR.
Have you considered supporting Glencoe as a ranger volunteer? It’s an incredible opportunity to help look after this special place, support the local community, and share your passion for nature and conservation.

Jack started at Glencoe as a ranger volunteer in April 2025. He moved to Scotland in 2020 where he studied Geography. He has always had a keen interest in nature conservation and community groups, previously working with Scouts and rewilding projects. 

Having worked with NatureScot, Jack set his sights on volunteering at Glencoe to gain experience in a unique setting – he was immediately struck by the beauty of the landscape and the rich biodiversity. 

Litter picking is an important aspect of the role. It’s no secret that Glencoe faces challenges with litter left from visitors to this special place. Vast amounts of litter (and even human waste) are left by visitors each year, with the ranger volunteers working hard to clear up the mess. 

This vital work protects the biosphere from harmful toxic chemicals as well as removing the visual blight from the landscape.  
 
You might remember Jack from his national news story, when he found a historic trophy during one of these litter picks! 

Read more about this fascinating find in the Daily Record article

Jack speaks passionately about how challenging this work can be, but also about how the team at Glencoe rally together. Their team spirit makes what could be a disheartening task far more enjoyable through camaraderie and support. 

A man in a blue shirt is examining grass within a grid on a sloping green hillside, under a clear blue sky.

Jack studying biodiversity in the nature reserve

Jack also gained incredible experience working with Sandy, the deer stalker at Glencoe. Joining Sandy on excursions, he had the chance to learn how deer stalking techniques help to ensure the deer population is managed in a responsible way – an essential aspect of caring for this historic landscape.  

In addition, Jack participated in a range of surveys on the National Nature Reserve, including a wetland bird survey and a butterfly and dragonfly survey where they found a rare dragonfly. 

Topping all of the incredible work Jack has supported throughout the nature reserve, he speaks fondly of one highlight: connecting with the animals on the reserve. Jack regularly feeds and brushes the Highland cows Seumas and Oisean, building a close relationship with them that brings him great joy. 

Expand image 1: A man in an orange jacket and red backpack is crouching near a pond in a foggy mountain landscape. Expand image 2: Snow-covered mountains under a partly cloudy sky with a patch of blue. Wooden posts are visible in the foreground.

Scott McCombie, Senior Ranger at Glencoe NNR said: ‘Jack has been great. We get all weather imaginable here, and lots of rain in particular. Jack has been cheerful regardless – waterproofs at the ready and off out with the team stalking, wildlife surveying and litter picking.

‘As I write this, Jack is applying for paid positions – the next rung on his career ladder – and we are setting up this coming year’s volunteers. Wherever Jack goes next I’m sure he’ll be the cheery asset that he has been to our team. I wish him nothing but luck and success.’

Quote
“It’s been great having Jack here. All our volunteers are essential to help us – a small team – keep on top of all the work to keep the NNR tidy and work to restoring the habitats to better order.”
Scott McCombie
Senior Ranger
A man in outdoor gear smiles at the camera from behind a fence post in a field of long grass. Mountains and a cloudy sky in the background.

Jack working in the nature reserve, repairing fencing

Rangering is a varied and fulfilling role, which greatly contributes to scientific research, biodiversity preservation and community engagement in Glencoe. The support of volunteers at Glencoe makes such an impact – their work is essential to our mission of balancing sustainable tourism and access alongside the conservation of the very special wildlife.  

Interested in becoming a volunteer? Please get in touch – we’d love to hear from you. Email us at glencoe@nts.org.uk

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