Reservoir Ranger Blog: Boardwalks, Brews and Brilliant Views

Four months into his new role, our Partnership Ranger, David Cowan, reflects on discovering new reservoirs, meeting familiar faces and getting stuck into volunteer projects. From ospreys and boardwalks to Kelly kettle brews, no two days have been the same.

On the morning of 15th May, I walked back into the office with a little spring in my step. I’d just been offered the Scottish Water and Forestry Land Scotland Partnership Ranger role and, four months on, I’m very glad I took the opportunity. No two days are quite the same, and I’ve really enjoyed the variety and new challenges that come with being a Ranger. It’s also been great working alongside Scottish Water colleagues, and I’m grateful for how welcoming and supportive everyone has been.

Previously, I worked as a Forest Craftsperson with Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS), based out of Clydebank – a role I’d been in since 2011. Stepping into the Ranger role has therefore been a refreshing change, even if it is temporary while I cover my colleague Helen’s maternity leave. I’ve particularly enjoyed the independence and the chance to experience some new places.

Before officially starting in June, I joined Helen for some weekend overtime in May to get to know Cocksburn and North Third – both completely new sites for me. Cocksburn is a little gem, and we were especially lucky to spot two ospreys flying near the reservoir. I already knew nearby FLS sites Pendreich and Dumyat, but Cocksburn Reservoir was new territory.

North Third was even more impressive. Helen and I both commented that, with a little imagination, you could almost believe it was a miniature Canadian lake, with its water, islands and rugged rock face along the ridge overlooking the reservoir.

During that first visit, I also saw the old boardwalk sections along the western shoreline path which were due to be replaced. It’s been satisfying watching the new boardwalk being installed over the past few months – the difference is night and day.

This has coincided nicely with two volunteer days I’ve hosted at North Third with Scottish Water staff, pushing back encroaching vegetation which was blocking sightlines along the path. It was great meeting more colleagues and a valuable experience for me leading groups and making a positive difference to the site.

I also hosted a volunteer group at Carron Valley Reservoir, cutting back Sitka spruce branches and small trees along the lochshore trail. I even got to practise my fire-lighting skills, using a Kelly kettle to provide the group with tea and coffee. There’s still plenty more work to do, especially at Carron Valley, so hopefully we can build on what we’ve achieved so far.

As well as volunteer days, I’ve attended a couple of events representing both FLS and Scottish Water. In July, I joined the Scottish Water team at Loch Lomond Shores in Balloch for the annual Water Safety event, where I was introduced to the ‘air curtain’ model used to demonstrate the dangers of this feature at some reservoir dams.

There’s an actual example at Carron Valley, along with an information panel on the lochshore trail. I’ve known Carron Valley for years as an FLS Craftsperson but had never appreciated the air curtain and how dangerous it can be. It shows how the Ranger role has given me a fresh perspective on familiar sites like Carron Valley and the Kilpatrick Hills, as well as introducing me to new ones.

I also attended the Carron Valley Renewables annual Flower and Produce Show in August, answering questions from local residents about Carron Valley and North Third reservoirs.

To get up to speed, I’ve been working my way through Helen’s contacts list and meeting people at Cocksburn and North Third. I met Roy Sexton at Cocksburn to talk about the rare petty whin plants he’d spotted and other local flora and fauna. Halfway through our chat, I suddenly realised I recognised him from my undergraduate days at Stirling University – I’m sure I had him for one or two lectures!

Roy is now retired from teaching and regularly volunteers around Cocksburn and Dumyat. Not only did it make me think it’s a small world, it also made me realise I’d effectively come full circle to where my career started.

I’ve since seen Roy on a volunteer day arranged by Julie Wilson from Edinburgh University. Talking of blasts from the past, Julie is another former FLS employee who I first met over ten years ago. She now works as a Ranger around Dumyat – right next door to Cocksburn – and I’ve assisted her on two volunteer days carrying out path repairs and tree tube maintenance.

Volunteering has already been a big part of my first few months in the role, and I’m keen for that to continue. So, whether you’re a Scottish Water colleague looking to use a volunteer day or part of a local community group keen to get involved, we’d love to hear from you. There are plenty more opportunities ahead to lend a hand and make a positive difference at our reservoirs – so get in touch!