John Muir Award

The John Muir Award encourages people of all backgrounds to connect with, enjoy and care for wild places.

IMPORTANT: Find out about and get involved with plans to redesign the John Muir Award here.

The Trust's John Muir Award is an environmental award scheme focused on wild places. It is inclusive, accessible and non-competitive, though should challenge each participant.  The Award encourages awareness and responsibility for the natural environment through a structured yet adaptable scheme, in a spirit of fun, adventure and exploration.

It’s open to all who can understand and meet the Award Criteria. It is ideally suited for those participants working at the later stage of primary education and beyond. Adults are welcome to get involved too – on their own, in groups, or alongside younger participants. We have created a Family Award that welcomes involvement as a family unit and can include all ages and abilities.

The John Muir Award Team are here to support your Award activity. If you have questions about your John Muir Award please read our FAQs.

• Find guidance on how John Muir Award Providers across the UK are adapting to remote delivery of the Award
• Download a selection of examples showcasing John Muir Award activity during the pandemic from across the UK

Award Criteria

To achieve a John Muir Award, each participant must:

• Meet our four Challenges
• Complete the required time commitment
• Show enthusiasm and commitment towards their involvement
• Have an awareness of John Muir
• Understand what the John Muir Award is and why they are participating 

Award levels

There are three different levels. The four Challenges are met for each level, increasing in responsibility and ownership.

• Discovery Award – four days/25+ hours minimum time commitment
• Explorer Award – eight days/50+ hours
• Conserver Award – 20 days/125+ hours across at least six months 

The John Muir Award is supported by organisations committed to people, places and our planet, including