Celebrating 25 years of caring for Ben Nevis
On 21 June 2025 the John Muir Trust celebrated 25 years of caring for Nevis. Find out more about how we are restoring this very special wild and resilient landscape.
A landscape of rich diversity
The John Muir Trust’s Ben Nevis site spans a breathtaking range of habitats, from river valleys and ancient woodlands to alpine summits. Our mission is to restore a vibrant mosaic of ecosystems that support a wide variety of species. By working closely with neighbouring landowners and the local community, we’re building a sustainable, resilient landscape, one that will thrive for generations to come.
Ben Nevis and its surrounding glens are also home to an extraordinary array of wildlife, including species that have vanished from other parts of Scotland. Golden eagles, white-tailed eagles, red deer, pine martens, red squirrels, water voles, snow buntings, rare butterflies, and over 30 nationally rare lichens and bryophytes all find refuge here.
Each year, more than 160, 000 people climb to the summit of Ben Nevis. Others enjoy the spectacular two-mile walk through rocky gorges and grassy meadows to Steall Waterfall - Scotland’s second highest falls, plunging over 100 metres.
“Like so many others, this wild mountain and glen has shaped my life,” says Nevis Manager Alison Austin. “It provides both challenge and joy.”
Looking back: 25 years of conservation
For over two decades, the John Muir Trust has worked with neighbouring land managers and the local community in the Nevis Landscape Partnership to manage this special and popular wild place on a landscape scale and bring nature back to life.
Restoring native woodlands
Much of the native woodland that once covered Ben Nevis has disappeared. Today, only small patches of birch, rowan, and willow remain on steep slopes. Our work has focused on reversing this loss by encouraging the natural regeneration of native trees, including Scots pine. Managing grazing pressure from deer and sheep has been essential to allow young trees to thrive and habitats to recover.
Reviving peatlands and preserving paths
We’ve also restored damaged peatlands - vital carbon stores and biodiversity hotspots - by blocking drainage channels and supporting vegetation recovery. At the same time, we’ve maintained a safe and sustainable path network to the summit and through Steall Gorge, reducing erosion and protecting fragile montane habitats.
Engaging people in conservation
Our on-the-ground team monitors habitats, leads volunteer work parties, and engages with visitors to protect sensitive areas. Initiatives like the Nevis Junior Ranger programme and partnerships with the University of the Highlands and Islands help train the next generation of conservationists.
“The glen is bustling with life,” says Julia Robertson, the Trust’s new Nevis Conservation Officer. “It’s been great to get out with students, monitor saplings, and spot round-leaved sundew and heath-spotted orchids.”
Looking ahead: The next 25 years
We envision a future where the wild places of Nevis continue to flourish; where people and nature thrive together. Our focus will remain on restoring native woodlands, reviving peatlands, and ensuring safe, sustainable access.
Short-term priorities
Species monitoring: Annual surveys of key habitats and species including woodland, blanket bog, dragonflies and mountain ringlet butterflies to guide conservation strategies.
Habitat management: Tree planting, fencing, and path maintenance to support woodland regeneration and reduce erosion.
Pollution control: Ongoing clean-up efforts to protect wildlife from litter and plastic pollution.
Our long-term vision
Woodland recovery
We aim to help native woodlands expand naturally from riverbanks to hillsides. Through careful grazing management, and support for natural regeneration, alone with enrichment planting where necessary we’ll create vital wildlife corridors and reconnect fragmented habitats.
Protecting Scotland’s rainforest
Ben Nevis shelters one of the last remnants of Scotland’s temperate rainforest - a globally rare ecosystem. Thanks to high rainfall and mild temperatures, it supports unique mosses, lichens, and other species found almost nowhere else on Earth. We are committed to protecting and expanding this precious habitat.
Peatland restoration
Peatlands are powerful allies in the fight against climate change. By restoring these carbon-rich landscapes, we’ll lock in carbon, improve water quality, and create thriving habitats for wildlife.
Managing grazing pressures
Deer and sheep are part of the landscape, but overgrazing can halt woodland recovery. We will continue to manage grazing levels through annual deer culls based on scientific data, working with neighbours to ensure a balanced approach across the wider landscape.
Science-led stewardship
We believe in using science to guide our work. From tracking tree growth and butterfly populations to monitoring rare species like golden eagles and water voles, our data helps us us understand what’s working, what needs adjusting, and how we can keep improving.
A legacy worth protecting
The word iconic may be overused in 2025, but its true meaning - widely known and acknowledged for distinctive excellence - fits Ben Nevis perfectly. With your support, the John Muir Trust will ensure this extraordinary landscape remains a place of wonder, resilience, and inspiration for at least another 25 years.
