A new year wish for nature: that Parliament protects wild places

We invite MSPs to make a New Year’s resolution: act decisively on the nature crisis.

A December 2022 poll showed that 96% of Scots think that the natural environment is important to the country as a whole, but only 19% think nature has improved in their lifetime.

As a charity dedicated to the conservation, protection and restoration of the UK’s wild places, the John Muir Trust invites MSPs to join it in wishing 2023 as the year the Scottish Parliament acts decisively on the nature crisis.

Established close to 40 years ago, the John Muir Trust spearheads the movement for a Just Transition for Wild Places by showing how nature-friendly land management benefits both communities and the natural environment. 

As part of its advocacy work in the Scottish Parliament, the John Muir Trust is organising a reception on 22 December to thank MSPs who have worked towards better protection for wild places. This will also be the occasion for the Trust to discuss next year’s Parliamentary timetable with MSPs.

Mike Daniels, Head of Policy for the John Muir Trust, said: “As we near the end of the year and COP15 draws to a close, it is clear that when it comes to protecting wild places, scientific and popular opinions align. We must act now. Fortunately, 2023 will see critical bills come through the Scottish Parliament.

“The Trust looks forward to working with its partners across the chamber to make sure Scottish law reflects what the people of Scotland want: a thriving natural environment with communities at its heart. In other words, a Just Transition for Wild Places.”

In 2023, Parliament will work on two ground-breaking pieces of legislation: the Land Reform Bill and the Natural Environment Bill. At a time when 80% of Scots are concerned about the impact of climate change, those bills must deliver for wild places.

Over 20 MSPs from across the political spectrum are expected to attend the John Muir Trust’s festive reception to celebrate Scotland’s Wild Places and hear about the Trust’s exciting vision for their future.

• Find out more about our vision for a Just Transition for Wild Places.

Photograph shows a Trust event at the Scottish Parliament, during the week before Christmas, to advocate for a just transition for wild places.