Protecting wild land
The John Muir Trust is dedicated to protecting wild land - large areas of high scenic and wildlife value, with minimal evidence of modern human development
We raise awareness of the unique and irreplaceable benefits of wild land - clean air, water, flood prevention, protection of rare peatlands, retention of carbon in the ground and health and well-being.
We work hard to persuade governments and policy makers of the benefits of wild land and the value in protecting and restoring it. We work with our members and supporters to show the strong public support for better protection for wild land. Current policy work areas include work to ensure the principles of the Wild Land Areas map are upheld, energy, land reform in Scotland, campaigning for planning democracy and working to increase understanding of rewilding and the need for stronger deer control.
We stand up for wild land when it comes under threat - challenging inappropriate developments that will damage wild land. Campaigns have included taking legal action against the Scottish Government's decision to consent the giant Stronelairg wind farm in the Monadhliath Mountains and our Area 34 campaign. We are proud to have been Highly Commended in the campaign/campaigner category following a public vote in The Great Outdoors Awards 2016. By making a donation you can help us continue to campaign for wild land.
Read about the work we are doing to protect wild land
We are dedicated to influencing national and local policy around wild land, throughout the UK. You can read and search for articles about the work we are doing in our Resources section. You can also use the search function (green magnifying glass in the top right of your screen) and enter key words for topics of interest.
Our work makes a difference
In 2014 our campaigning helped get a map of official Wild Land Areas recognised by the Scottish Government and included in planning policy. This recognition of Scotland’s wild land as a nationally important asset that needs to be safeguarded marked a historic breakthrough in our work.
The Great Outdoors Awards
We are proud to have won the TGO "Campaign or Campaigner" category in 2014 and 2015, been Highly Commended in 2016 and nominated in 2013 and again in 2017.
The wedges of development are being driven hard, and none of the obstacles or defences of nature can long withstand the onset ...
John Muir