ABSTRACT

This chapter considers countryside management in a globalising and urbanising world where tourism and leisure, in particular, are important economic drivers. It discusses in detail by contributors to, UK policies in countryside and biodiversity management have long been influenced by developments at an international or global level. The Scottish Countryside Rangers Association, is affiliated to this network, which provides an international context for delivery in individual countries. The development of organised forestry was important in the evolution of countryside rangering, and it began in Europe in the 1700s and 1800s. The rangers have formed the Scottish Countryside Rangers Association, for mutual support, networking, training, and representation. Thus the chapter short review establishes a wider context to the idea of the countryside manager and the countryside ranger. It is hard to judge any long-term effects of global austerity on the delivery of countryside services worldwide, but, impacts on tourism to National Parks and other areas could influence demand and economic aspects.