Dick Balharry facts for kids
Richard Balharry (born September 3, 1937 – died April 22, 2015) was a Scottish expert in nature. He worked to protect wildlife and wild places. He was also a writer and took many amazing photos of animals and nature. He was even given an award called the MBE for his important work.
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Early Life and First Jobs
Richard Balharry grew up in Muirhead, a small place near Dundee, Scotland. In 1954, after a short time at college and a factory, he found his first job. He became a kennel boy and an assistant gamekeeper on a large estate near Tighnabruaich.
In 1956, he started working with Archie McDonald, a head deer stalker in Glen Lyon. By 1959, he joined the Red Deer Commission. This group helps manage deer populations in Scotland.
Protecting Nature: His Career
In 1952, the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve was created. In May 1962, Richard Balharry became a warden there. He was in charge of a huge area of mountains and ancient pine forests. His job was to look after this special natural space.
In May 1964, Richard made an exciting discovery. He found a nest of a bird called a Common greenshank with five eggs. This was a very rare find!
In 1977, he gave a talk about how to protect the Golden Eagle. This showed his deep knowledge of Scottish wildlife.
In 1985, a place called Creag Meagaidh was bought by the Nature Conservancy Council. Richard became their chief warden for north-east Scotland. Later, this group became Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). He continued to manage similar areas for SNH.
In 1991, he guided a famous politician, Tam Dalyell, and others through the ancient Caledonian pine forests. This trip was in the Mar Lodge Estate.
In 1996, Richard was given the MBE award. This award recognized his great work in nature conservation. He retired in 1997 as an SNH area manager.
Just before he passed away, in April 2015, Richard received another important award. It was the Royal Scottish Geographical Society's Geddes Environment medal. This award honored his amazing efforts to protect nature.
Working with the John Muir Trust
In September 2003, Richard Balharry became the chairman of the John Muir Trust. This organization works to protect wild places in the UK.
In October 2004, at a conference about wild land, Richard gave a special award. He presented the Trust's Lifetime Achievement Award to Adam Watson.
Helping Deer in the Cairngorms
In April 2006, Richard attended the first meeting of the Cairngorms Deer Advisory Group (CDAG). This group helps manage deer in the Cairngorms National Park.
Leading Ramblers Scotland
In April 2009, Richard Balharry was chosen as the president of Ramblers Scotland. He held this important role until March 2013. Ramblers Scotland helps people enjoy walking and protects access to the countryside.
As president, he worked on many important issues. He made sure people could still access wild land. He also fought against building projects that would harm these natural areas. He supported good ways to manage the uplands of Scotland.
In March 2014, he became a vice-president of Ramblers Scotland. He held this position until he died.
Chairman of the National Trust for Scotland
In January 2010, Richard was appointed chairman of the National Trust for Scotland. This organization looks after many historic places and beautiful landscapes. He brought a sense of calm and stability to the Trust.
In June 2010, he received an Honorary Doctorate of Science from Abertay University in Dundee. This was a special recognition of his achievements. In September 2010, Sir Kenneth Calman took over as chairman.
His Final Years
Richard Balharry lived in Newtonmore, Scotland. He passed away from cancer on April 22, 2015, at the age of 77.
Television Appearances
- Where the Eagle Flies, a BBC show with Selina Scott in 1986.
