Back to basics: Boots for rangers

As ForRangers prepares to celebrate its 10^th Anniversary this year, we’re reminded of one of the things that started it off: providing rangers with socks. And lots of them.

Ten years ago, Pete Newland, Joss Craig, Hollie Woodhouse, Jacqs Manson and Sam Taylor were scrambling around in the stifling heat of the Sahara Desert, packing dehydrated food into packs. They were about to embark on the 250-kilometre Marathon Des Sables, pushing their endurance to the limit, both mentally and physically. The horrific state of their feet at the finish was a greater badge of honour than the medals around their necks, because, ironically, they had been running for socks – and they raised US $100,000 to buy them.

Ten years later, ensuring rangers have the most basic of items to be able to carry out their duties effectively remains at the forefront of ForRangers’ ethos. Teams must be kitted out with the right equipment including uniforms, binoculars, digital communications, handheld radios, chargers and boots.

Rangers boots. Photo credit: Save the Rhino International

Last year, providing quality boots for rangers was a particular focus for fundraising efforts. Used across difficult terrain, poor-quality boots are quickly worn by the elements of the Laikipia Plateau and so obtaining the best – and often more expensive – options are paramount to ensuring comfort and durability. Rangers need boots that last for years. The ForRangers’ Board has been able to offer its recommendations of the best bootmakers, from South Africa to the UK, to make sure rangers get the best boots for their buck.

In addition to obtaining 100 CamelBaks® for safe water transportation, Lewa Conservancy in Kenya was one recipient of a grant for 27 pairs of boots for its rangers. However, thanks to the generosity of other donor organisations, it was able to gather the funds necessary for a total of 130 pairs. This approach maximised the impact on rangers and leveraged economies of scale for importation and logistics from South Africa. John Pameri, Head of General Security, commented on the new boots:

“The team is incredibly grateful to ForRangers for the much-needed support. Our rangers are now better equipped and take pride in being the guardians of wildlife. We’ve seen a noticeable boost in performance, morale, and efficiency, which is vital as they continue to protect our wildlife in challenging conditions.”

To the west, rangers of Sosian, Suyian, Ol Maisor and Mugie Conservancies have, thanks to grants from the Tristan Voorspuy Charitable Trust and the Watering Hole Foundation, received 114 new boots of their own. One ranger from Ol Maisor said:

“Many of us patrol for hours, and having good shoes reduces foot injuries. It allows us to be more effective in protecting wildlife. We are extremely grateful for this support!"

While the grants were not solely focused on wildlife-monitoring, improved ranger efficiency and morale have contributed to enhanced patrol coverage. This, in turn, has continued to support ongoing conservation efforts and reduced the risk of poaching in the region. The new boots should last these rangers for up to four years, but even the best won’t last forever,  Ongoing support for this endeavour will carry on.

Thanks to ForRangers’ fundraisers, we will continue to provide this essential but most basic of items to keep boots on the ground and enable rangers across Kenya to continue their long hours of work in relative comfort. Thank you!