The Nature of Scotland

Journey of discovery
The John Muir Trust set up the award in 1997 to get more
people active in the conservation movement. It operates
largely through a varied range of organisations, including
schools and outdoor centres, as well as youth and
community groups – over 700 made use of it last year. But
many individuals, families and small independent groups also
take part.
They’re invited to follow in the footsteps of John Muir
(1838–1914), with his life-long journey of discovery and
exploration to help conserve the special qualities of wild
places. Muir was born in Dunbar, East Lothian, and went on
to become the founder of the US national parks. He is widely
regarded as the father of modern conservation. Throughout
his life, Muir shared his experiences, feelings and vision for
wild places with a wider audience, so the award participants
are encouraged to do likewise.
John Hutchison is chairman of the John Muir Trust and
believes the award is great at character forming for young
people. “The experience it provides is very important for the
self-discovery that leads to self-confidence.
“100,000 awards is a huge milestone to celebrate in
such a short time. The John Muir Award is firmly part of the
core work of the trust’s new vision for wild land. I believe
that, through the award, we’re finding and nurturing the next
generation of environmental community activists.”
“The John Muir Award
puts a different slant
on everything. It
brings out the wonder
and beauty of being in
nature. It’s a beautiful
way of working with
kids and encourages
them to look at the
bigger picture.”
Sarah Robertshaw,
Forestry Commission
project leader
2
2
Recipient of the
100,000th award was
Jake Atkinson (far left).
12 The Nature of Scotland