I love this place, I leave no trace

It has been an absolute delight in recent months to welcome thousands of visitors to our countryside properties to enjoy the fresh air and reconnect with nature once again.

We’re truly grateful that the majority of visitors take good care whilst outdoors, so that future generations can enjoy the same awe-inspiring scenery we appreciate today. However, there are a few who are not leaving the countryside as they found it. From a rise in litter to dangerous campfires and damaged property, our staff are having to deal with a worrying amount of anti-social behaviour.

When lockdown eased last summer, we saw a dramatic increase in visitors to our countryside. With international travel still uncertain, we are seeing similar number of visitors this summer. The cumulative effect of large numbers of people visiting countryside places can cause unintended damage, such as litter on mountain footpaths. A donation today can help buy equipment for our staff and volunteers to clear these paths.

We’re seeing a rise in irresponsible campers at many places, including Mar Lodge Estate, Kintail, Glencoe and Ben Lawers. By donating today, you’ll be able to support our staff carry out evening patrols. On one walkabout, a Trust ranger can meet over 25 campsites, advising on the best ways to ‘leave no trace’ whilst visitors make the most of our incredible surroundings.

Some visitors have been chopping down young trees and lighting fires in the woods. A donation today can help us raise awareness of the risks of campfires, encouraging visitors to instead bring a stove or wear an extra jumper if they’re feeling the cold.

It takes an enormous amount of work to conserve Scotland’s iconic mountains, woodlands and coastlines, which we all love. As a charity, we can only protect these places with your support. Together, we can ensure that our most treasured landscapes are conserved for future generations to enjoy.