The John Muir Trust ‘Conserving the Wild’

Who was John Muir and what is the John Muir Trust?

John Muir was born in 1838 in Dunbar on the east coast of Scotland and emigrated with his family to the US when he was eleven. As an adult he spent many years exploring the wildest parts of America - most famously in the mountains of the Sierra Nevada in California. He came to know and love Yosemite Valley and the whole ‘range of light’ and made the first ascents of several mountains over 10,000 ft. Revisiting Yosemite after some years’ absence he found meadows destroyed by the ‘hoofed locusts’ (sheep), and ancient stands of giant redwood felled. In a time when the word ‘conservation’ was unheard of, John Muir campaigned for the protection of Yosemite and other wild areas as National Parks and helped set up the Sierra Club – the environmental organisation which now has over 600,000 members.John Muir wrote ‘Do something for wildness and make the mountains glad’. This vision inspired the mountaineers and environmentalists who formed the John Muir Trust in 1983 in the UK.Here are a few of the questions people often ask about the John Muir Trust.

What does the Trust do?
The Trust saves and conserves wild places. One of the ways we do this is by owning and looking after seven superb areas in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland including most of Ben Nevis, Bla Bheinn and most of the Red Cuillin on the Isle of Skye, part of the wild Knoydart peninsula, the Sandwood Estate in the far north west and Schiehallion in Perthshire. On these lands we plant native trees, fix footpaths, clear litter and repair drystone walls – working alongside the local communities. We also campaign for the protection of wild lands and run an educational scheme – the John Muir Award.

Will the Trust only purchase land in Scotland?
No, the Trust has a UK remit and will consider buying an area outwith Scotland.

What is the Trust's policy on access to land?
We welcome visitors to all our areas and there is no restriction of access to visitors on foot. These beautiful places are here for everyone who wants to find them.

How is the Trust funded?
We have over 10,000 members and supporters who give donations or fund-raise, for example by running the London Marathon or doing sponsored climbs. We also receive support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, as well as donations from Charitable Trusts and Companies.

What can I do to get involved?
You can join the Trust and receive all the latest news. Or why not join our conservation activities in stunning surroundings. If you love being out in the wild, mountaineering or climbing, it’s a great way to ‘give something back’.More information from:
www.jmt.org

or

John Muir Trust
Freepost
Musselburgh
EH21 7BR

Tel: 0131 554 0114

Email: promotions@jmt.org

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