DMP Volunteer Ranger - To be or not to be....

Perhaps I can help make up your mind:  David Dare, DMP Volunteer Ranger & Setanta Member.

I joined up with the first batch in June 2009 and in those heady, early days it was as much about getting to know your fellow rangers as anything else. On reflection, although very much individuals, we all have certain things in common. This becomes apparent during the long conversations while out on the hill sharing a duty. A love of being outdoors, a sense that swings between disappointment and anger at the way the countryside is treated by some, a belief that we need to encourage more people to use the hills and a desire to help them enjoy the experience and learn to share the resource with others.

Differing seasons and varying weather means that the fantastic views on offer in the Dublin hills are continually changing and a lot of us have our cameras as constant companions. Sunlight through trees, mist and rain hanging off the branches, snow blasted heath and if you are lucky, a close encounter with the wildlife.

The management try to mix up the partnerships and vary the duties, although the main requirement is to be seen. To meet and greet people, help them, listen to any feedback, offer advice where it seems necessary or asked for and encourage them to share with other users while understanding the need for concepts like leave No trace.

I am not saying it is all honey and roses. There are by laws up in the hills which need to be adhered to if the outdoor experience is to be enjoyed by all. The greatest enemy has to be the scramblers and quad-bikers. In the beginning there was a need to confront these people and while having no authority to take action (sorry, I did ask for Kalashnikovs but for some reason these are not standard equipment issue along with the litter pickers), we are required to call the Garda. Today, scramblers and quad-bikers know the drill and on sighting a ranger will take evasive action.

Most duties have more positive characteristics. Litter clean ups, trail inspections, official surveys and recently, helping set up and later continuing to inspect fixed “O” courses to name a few.

You are always lined up to go out in pairs although this was not always the case. I remember one wet solitary July duty in Masseys where, dressed in all black raingear, I was clearing litter by the river and found a rusty supermarket wire basket. This was handy for carrying the black bin liner I was using. Not really thinking about how I must have looked, I approached what looked like a mother and daughter out for a walk….. y’know, “meet and greet”??? It was only on later reflection that their rather guarded reaction made sense. Indeed, I have ever since been surprised that the Gards didn’t turn up to arrest the nutter with the bin bag and shopping basket.

As well as all the above, there are the perks. Basic First Aid training, Basic Mountain Skills course and a free Christmas tree from Coillte. Would I recommend it….Yeah! Of course I would.  -  David Dare

Applications for 2010 DMP Rangers intake are due to close in 2 weeks time.
Full details at
http://www.dublinmountains.ie/volunteer_ranger_service/volunteer_ranger_service/

There was also a news item on RTE Six 1 and 9 O'Clock news programs on Feb 10th.Link to the news clip here - http://www.rte.ie/player/#v=1066221 Skip to about 21.40 into program to see relevant clip.