Celebrating 75 years of Ben Lawers being in our care
Ben Lawers is the highest mountain in the Central Highlands and gives its name to the wider National Nature Reserve managed by the Trust. The property was acquired by our charity in 1950, specifically to protect and conserve the arctic-alpine plant species found on its mountains – it is also regarded as one of the UK’s most stunning landscapes. Within this time, we have undertaken pioneering restoration work to enhance the diverse mountain flora, whilst maintaining access to the precious montane habitats.
Ben Lawers was also the first Trust property to be acquired primarily for nature conservation. Achieving National Nature Reserve (NNR) status in 1964, this landscape now supports many nationally rare or scarce plant species including montane willows, vascular plants, lichens and bryophytes. It also supports a range of upland birds and mammals and has an outstanding diversity of invertebrates, with many rare or notable species such as the mountain ringlet butterfly.
Part of the vital conservation of the rich arctic-alpine flora has included the Trust establishing a detailed monitoring programme of species in our care, ensuring consistent data capture for over 40 years. We have pioneered the development of montane willow restoration methods, now an exemplar of good conservation practice.
In addition to the natural environment and teeming biodiversity, the reserve’s Historic Landscape Project highlighted the significance of Ben Lawers as a cultural landscape through the numerous archaeological discoveries.
Helen Cole, Property Manager & Senior Ranger at Ben Lawers NNR, said: ‘We are very fortunate to have had a special place like Ben Lawers in our care for all these years. It has over 4,500 hectares of biodiverse upland landscape. Over the past 75 years, the Trust has maintained access to this stunning landscape, but this comes at a cost.
‘As we continue to welcome many thousands of visitors each year, the repeated trampling underfoot exposes soil to the elements, resulting in large-scale erosion, which takes its toll on the fragile mountain vegetation. The Trust has invested in significant conservation work to minimise the effects, and regular maintenance work by our Footpath team is required to prevent deterioration.’
Phil Long OBE, Chief Executive of the National Trust for Scotland, said: ‘To celebrate 75 years of pioneering conservation at Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve, we are delighted to launch the Ben Lawers 75 fundraising appeal. Every contribution makes a difference, and your support will ensure that Ben Lawers NNR and its valuable, yet fragile, ecosystem endures for another 75 years and more.
‘Our Plan for Nature, launched in 2024, outlines our ambitions for conserving the nature in our care and will play an important part in delivering government commitments for nature, including the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy as well as tackling the nature and climate crises.’
To celebrate the diamond jubilee, we recently held a celebratory event at the National Nature Reserve for visitors and Trust staff. Quizzes, activities and displays were all on offer, as well as guided walks. We have also launched a photography competition inviting the public to share their favourite images of Ben Lawers. Entries will be judged across a series of themed categories, with the winning photographs showcased in an online gallery and two overall winners receiving a place on a photography workshop with acclaimed nature photographer Laurie Campbell.
Will Boyd-Wallis, Operations Manager for the North-West Highlands at the Trust, said: ‘Thanks to the ongoing generosity of our members and supporters, we’re able to continue our work to care for this special place for future generations to enjoy.’
With seven Munros, a treasure trove of archaeological remains and stunning wildlife, Ben Lawers is a special place for nature lovers, adventurers and history enthusiasts alike.
The Ben Lawers 75 appeal welcomes donations to help raise £75,000 to support vital conservation projects at the property. This work supports our charity’s vision to care for, share and protect Scotland’s nature, beauty and heritage for everyone to enjoy, as outlined in our 10-year strategy, launched in 2022.
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Ben Lawers
Scenic mountains and ridges, and the best collection of rare mountain plants in Britain
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