Busy summer as a Countryside Ranger for Kristian

As a Countryside Ranger, Kristian Purchase has a wide range of duties but promoting fire safety during the summer months is one of the most important.

The danger posed to our coastal sites by campfires and barbecues is growing as climate change brings increasingly hot and dry conditions at a time when visitor numbers are at their highest.

With responsibility for Levenhall Links and Musselburgh Lagoons, Kristian is dedicated to protecting the amazing array of wildlife and habitats under his care.

To help deliver the fire safety message, he mounts joint patrols in these areas with Musselburgh-based members of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), offering practical advice to those enjoying the county’s natural beauty.

He said: “We have an invaluable partnership with the fire service and it’s a real benefit to have them on site and taking part in regular walk arounds. Together we can engage with the public and try to reduce the risk of wildfires.”

Kristian has been a Countryside Ranger in Levenhall/Musselburgh since 2023. As a Seasonal Ranger in 2021, the Dunbar resident brought a wealth of experience in the conservation and environment sectors to the role, including working in Saughton Park and Gardens for City of Edinburgh Council.

Prior to that, he worked with the Northumberland Wildlife Trust on conservation and volunteering activities, as a zookeeper for the Wild Fowl and Wetland Trust at Slimbridge, and at the London Wetland Centre and Washington Wetland Centre in Tyne and Wear.

He studied zoology at Newcastle University and was working for the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) before becoming one of our a Countryside Rangers.

Kristian said: “As a Ranger, my area covers Levenhall Links and Musselburgh Lagoons as well as the wider Musselburgh area so that’s up the Esk at Fisherrow and out to Prestongrange Heritage Park. However, most of my work is focused on at the lagoons at Levenhall Links.

“There are 11 different water bodies which are maintained and managed at the Links for wading birds like ducks, geese and swans. We see so many variations through the seasons with breeding birds arriving in the summer like swallows, swifts, and skylarks while winter brings peak use of the site by waders when, for instance, we have ten per cent of all the oyster catchers in the Firth and Forth using Levenhall to roost.

“There are deer, weasels, rabbits and a huge array of plant species with several miles of hedgerow to manage too. It’s a really diverse site which we describe as a mosaic of habitats.”

Kristian also works closely with Musselburgh Grammar School to provide conservation activities and wildlife surveys for pupils to carry out.

Advising visitors

He said: “During the busy summer period, we have the joint patrols with SFRS to engage with visitors to Levenhall Links where we don’t encourage fires at all. It’s not a sensible place for barbecues and people are better of heading to other coastal sites, such as the beach at Fisherrow, for that. A fire in the dunes, grassland or woodland can be very dangerous, especially in the tinder dry conditions we’ve seen recently.

“In general, we advise visitors who want a fire to have it on sand then put it out with lots and lots of water and never bury it afterwards.

“With any form of open fire, including disposable barbecues, they can look like they’re out with no flames, but just because there aren’t flames doesn’t mean the heat has gone. Fires can catch from the heated ground which creates a means of combustion.

“People should also remember there are many ways to have a picnic and enjoy the countryside without a fire or barbecue.”

Passionate about the environment or planning a visit to any of our coast or countryside sites? Find out more about our Ranger service, outdoor access, volunteering opportunities and the wildlife and biodiversity in our area from our website.

Farewell Rod: our social work legend

Across his long career in social work, Service Manager for Adult Social Care Rod MacKenzie has seen many changes – not least in the offices he’s worked in.

Blotting paper... and an ashtray

Rod “fell into” social work after studying social studies at university and working at Greenlea, a former Victorian ‘poorhouse’ in Edinburgh that was preparing for closure. His official career began at Inverurie Community Hospital: “Based in the old nurse’s home, my office was a former bedroom, with a full-length mirror and a sink,” he remembers. “The office was stark, with a filing cabinet (no computer) and a big desk with blotting paper, a fancy touch-button phone and an ashtray. A different time altogether!”

After supporting hospital discharges and working within Fraserburgh’s farming and fishing communities, Rod moved to East Lothian in August 2000 with his wife Jill and their family. Over the years, he led the Integrated Care Team and served as Access Service Manager, Area Manager and Service Manager. “Not long after Adult Social Work services moved to Randall House, I was appointed Head of Establishment. Unfortunately, the window didn’t open and there always seemed to be issues with the air conditioning. I must give thanks to the Property Maintenance team who I was constantly calling upon – I think I got to know the plant room just as well as them!”

Thoughtfulness and compassion 

Reflecting on his career in East Lothian, Rod paid tribute to the professionalism of his colleagues past and present, saying: “I’m very grateful that we have such good social workers in the team who were able to support residents, family and staff through transition processes with thoughtfulness and compassion.

“I’m particularly proud of the way in which the team the closure of Cockenzie House Care Home. It was very controversial, with adverse local publicity. However, what I recall most was the way the department worked incredibly hard in difficult circumstances, to successfully relocate all of the residents locally.

“I feel privileged to have worked alongside and appointed many East Lothian colleagues who have achieved so much. I have greatly enjoyed seeing them develop their skills and careers while remaining true to social work values.

“I’d also like to thank my managers and colleagues for their support and encouragement over the years. I feel very proud to have been part of East Lothian Council and ELHSCP teams.”

Babysitting and beekeeping (not at the same time)

So, what does retirement have in store for Rod? With the arrival of a grandchild only eight months ago, there will certainly be some babysitting involved. Additionally, following in his father and grandfather’s footsteps he is going to turn his hand (back) to beekeeping! 

In addition to spending more time with family, using his bus pass to visit Edinburgh and Aberdeen to enjoy the architecture and art galleries is on Rod’s cards. As is enjoying a round of golf, a game of cricket and potentially even running the half marathon with wife Jill next year!  But if you’re keen to see him locally, you’ll most likely find him walking the beaches with the dogs!

We all wish you the very best in your retirement Rod, you will definitely be missed!