National Park rangers and Police Scotland carry out joint patrols to cut wildfire risk

Countryside rangers and police officers begin joint patrols this weekend as part of a campaign to support the new fire byelaw and reduce wildfire risk.

Late-night patrols will begin in Deeside and Glenmore as the busy summer season gets under way.

A byelaw banning campfires and barbecues is now in place across the National Park between April 1 and September 30 – carrying a maximum fine of £500 – and police officers will be able to help enforce it.

Since its launch, Park Authority rangers have been working closely with partner ranger services from across the National Park to engage with visitors and increase awareness.

Additional weekend rangers have been recruited and a new full-time permanent ranger has joined the team in the Angus Glens.

A record number of more than 100 rangers, including permanent, seasonal, volunteer, trainee and partner service staff, will be deployed across the National Park this summer.

Colin Simpson, head of visitor services at the Cairngorms National Park Authority, said rangers have engaged with more than 2,000 people since the beginning of the season, providing advice around responsible access and countryside safety.

Seasonal campfire ban comes into force in Cairngorms Adobe Stock

“We’re also working with over 100 local businesses, estates and community groups to help spread the message far and wide. What is encouraging is that the message is being well received. In the first three months of the byelaw being in place, rangers have only come across half as many fires as last year and less than a quarter of the numbers seen in 2024.

“We’re delighted to be working with Police Scotland again this summer to increase our presence in visitor hotspots. People care deeply for the National Park – we want everyone to have a positive experience and enjoy the outdoors responsibly. The byelaw is designed to help us all protect the wildlife, landscapes and communities here for many years to come.”

The Police Scotland patrols begin on Saturday July 4, running every weekend until August 29. In Deeside, they will cover Upper Deeside and Dinnet west, including Muir of Dinnet, Cambus O’ May and Mar Lodge Estate, Braemar. In the west of the National Park, patrols will be focused on the popular area around Loch Morlich and the wider Glenmore and Cairngorm Mountain areas.

Constable Ann Ashman, wildlife crime liaison officer, is running the summer operation for Police Scotland in Upper Deeside.

She said: “We are carrying out patrols with partners to tackle issues that affect rural communities such as anti-social behaviour, illegal parking, littering, starting fires, drinking and wildlife crime.

“It is the first year that it will be illegal to have a fire or barbecue in the National Park and I want everyone to be aware and act responsibly. Wildfires have a devastating impact on wildlife, on business and on those living in our rural areas.

“We also urge people to take care around water, especially when swimming in lochs, reservoirs and rivers. Take care and never enter the water after consuming alcohol.”

She added: “We welcome the opportunity to work proactively with partners to ensure that the countryside remains a safe and enjoyable place to live, work and visit.”

Simon Ritchie at NatureScot, which manages Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve, said: “Visitors come to Muir of Dinnet to enjoy being outdoors, connect with nature and spot a huge variety of wildlife, from red squirrels to adders and ospreys. The vast majority of our visitors are very responsible and have responded well to the byelaw, but we have seen a small number of fires and barbecues this summer.

“Wildfires can have a devastating impact on the wildlife and habitats that make the National Park so special, and even a spark can cause huge amounts of damage. These joint patrols are a great initiative that will help to reinforce the new rules, ensure responsible behaviour and tackle any issues where they arise.”