Many hands make light work

Helen Cole, National Trust for Scotland Property Manager at Ben Lawers, said: ‘As a conservation charity, we benefit from the generous support of a host of volunteers, who give up their time to help us care for and protect some of Scotland’s most important natural and cultural heritage. Over 2,000 volunteers work alongside members of the Trust’s staff throughout the year at our historic properties and countryside places, like Ben Lawers. They assist with collections care, visitor engagement, and important habitat restoration and conservation work.’

Helen continued: ‘Alongside the support of our members and donors, the additional funding provided through the Love Our Nature project by People’s Postcode Lottery enhances the work of the Trust. It helps us to advance our species monitoring, habitat restoration and regeneration work, allowing us to preserve Scotland’s landscapes and wildlife for future generations to enjoy. This funding has also enabled the Trust to leverage further support from our donors by reaching a wider supporter base, for which we’re very grateful. Conservation projects at our National Nature Reserves support our objectives to improve the condition of our estate, enrich Scotland’s protected heritage and enable nature to flourish, as outlined in our 10-year strategy, Nature, Beauty & Heritage for Everyone.’

Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery Laura Chow said: ‘We’re delighted that members of our staff were able to assist the Trust by volunteering and lending their support to the team at Ben Lawers. It’s thanks to the generous support of the players of People’s Postcode Lottery that we are able to support vital work taking place across Scotland to maintain and protect our natural landscape, now and into the future.’

We provide a variety of opportunities to volunteer at places across the length and breadth of the country. If you would like to lend your support, you can find further details about volunteering either at your local National Trust for Scotland property or by visiting our Volunteering page on our website.

The work at Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve is one of many projects contributing to the National Trust for Scotland’s 10-year strategy, Nature, Beauty & Heritage for Everyone, launched in 2022. It supports our conservation objectives, to stabilise and improve the condition of its estate, enable nature to flourish and enrich Scotland’s protected heritage.