Rangers have been at the heart of conservation on the Isles of Mull and Iona for more than 20 years, protecting landscapes, managing wildlife, and helping local communities and visitors to connect with nature. The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales announced new funding to safeguard these vital roles, ensuring the continued protection and responsible management of these unique environments.

During their two-day visit, The Prince and Princess of Wales have travelled to the Isles of Mull and Iona to celebrate and connect with local communities. They met the Mull and Iona Ranger Service, which leads conservation and education initiatives across the islands, and joined a group of schoolchildren in outdoor learning activities at Ardura Community Forest, one of Scotland’s most precious habitats and part of the Atlantic rainforest.

The funding, provided through The Royal Foundation’s United for Wildlife programme, will secure the future of two ranger positions, preventing the loss of these essential services. Rangers play a crucial role in balancing conservation with sustainable tourism, ensuring the natural beauty of the Isles remains accessible to residents and visitors alike. Through guided events, educational outreach, and wildlife monitoring, they help people engage with the land while protecting its fragile ecosystems.

United for Wildlife’s Nature Protectors initiative supports frontline conservation efforts globally, strengthening recognition, resources, and professional development for those working to protect natural spaces. The funding for Mull and Iona’s rangers is one of several ways the programme is mobilising support packages to aid these critical roles alongside campaigns, mobilising insurance, and scaling finance.

Dr Tom Clements, Executive Director of Conservation at The Royal Foundation, said: “Rangers go far beyond protecting wildlife; they support communities, preserve cultural heritage, and regulate sustainable resource use. In Mull and Iona, their work is invaluable for ensuring the natural landscapes on which communities rely remain protected for future generations.”

As global conservation challenges grow, ranger services remain essential in safeguarding natural spaces. Through this funding, The Royal Foundation and it’s United for Wildlife programme is ensuring that the rangers of Mull and Iona can continue their work in conservation, education, and sustainable land management for years to come.