FOR MEMBERS OF THE JOHN MUIR TRUST MEMBERS’ NEWS MARCH 2009

John Muir Trust members invited to New Chief Executive in POST contribute to the ‘View from 2050’ Stuart Brooks has Lifestyles in 2050 will be radically different. before the Kyoto Protocol expires, 2009 been appointed Chief But will our wild landscapes and their is the final opportunity to do so. Our Executive of the biodiversity – and our relationships with government has already set a target of John Muir Trust with them - also be radically different? 2050 an 80% reduction in our greenhouse effect from 1 March might be more than half a lifetime away but gas emissions from their 1990 levels. 2009, following the it is a reference point we’ll be hearing far Achieving this will require radical social retirement of Nigel more of in the next few years. and political decision-making, re-thinking Hawkins. industrial processes, and will impact The ambition of the United Nations Stuart joins us from on all our daily lives. It will involve Climate Change Conference in the Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) where unprecedented individual, national and Copenhagen (COP15) in December is for he has been Director of Conservation global action. a binding global climate agreement to since 2002 with responsibility for land include as many countries as possible. If In its role of ‘promoting informed debate management, policy and communications, the world’s nations are to decide upon on public policy issues’, The David Hume as well as being the main account a new agreement to enter into force manager for key grants. He has been → page 2 responsible for overseeing major projects across their reserves, developing their operational plans and the ‘SWT Vision’. New Trustees sought to fill skills gaps He has worked for the SWT since 1993, initially on a European lowland peatland Nominations for new Trustees are being sought with a deadline of 9 March 2009. We will project when, gaining experience have five positions to fill on our total board of fifteen. from countries across northern and Some very experienced Trustees will leave the board at the AGM in May and, with the eastern Europe, he co-authored the Bog aim of building as robust a board as possible, the collective experience and skill base of Management Handbook in 1995. He went the remaining Trustees was examined, bearing in mind our main activities. on to develop and manage numerous multi-million pound wildlife reserve and Although this was a fairly subjective review, it became apparent that the main gaps wider countryside projects until taking up were biodiversity; the management of outdoor activities; public relations; marketing; the post of Head of Conservation. He had entrepreneurship; woodland management; farming and managing volunteers. previously worked for the Northumberland The expertise within our staff covers many of these areas well but, in the interest of Wildlife Trust, after graduating from building a complementary board with broad experience, it is useful to highlight these Newcastle University. needs at this time. Stuart has also served on a number Becoming a Trustee is an important step but the three-year term appointment will give of national committees and is the vice unique and valuable experience in taking our organisation forward. Members are urged convener of Scottish Environment LINK to watch out for suitable candidates. biodiversity task force. In 2005 Stuart received the Christopher Cadbury Medal The board meets on a weekday, five times a year, usually in Pitlochry or Edinburgh with for services to Nature Conservation in one weekend in the Highlands close to one of our estates. the and has recently joined the UK Executive Committee of the IUCN The closing date for applications is 9 March and nomination forms can be obtained from and the Commission for Ecosystem the Pitlochry office by calling 01796 470080 or from the website www.jmt.org Management. John C Hutchison, Chairman-Elect → from page 1 in two contrasting quotes from contributors to the DHI A Trustee’s Institute (DHI) has produced report, looking back from the a report: ‘Reducing Carbon perspective of 2050: perspective from 2050 Emissions – the View from ■ “They [environmentalists] 2050’. It asked a variety realised that climate change We are inviting all members to participate in the exercise of of authors to consider threatened everything – and envisaging the successful attainment of environmental targets themselves as being in 2050, the arguments of some of their in 2050 and describing how that might have been achieved. Will with the government target own, to oppose all wind farms Williams, a John Muir Trust trustee, takes up the challenge. having been met. as ‘blots on the landscape’ for Local communities became ■ How did this come about? example, became untenable.” increasingly engaged in ■ What was the journey? ■ “Positive action came understanding the value of when leading politicians put their local landscapes. Models ■ What were the forward a compelling message of good practice emerged, consequences? that economic prosperity despite initial tensions as The DHI report benefits depended on environmental cultural perspectives and from a broad canvas of stewardship.” established practices took contributions from business time to coalesce and focus The relevance of organisations people, politicians, academics, on common goals. The like the John Muir Trust – energy companies, youth, community energy initiative on and the extent to which our environmental specialists, Skye and the joint working with biodiversity and landscapes consumers and economists. the North Harris communities are valued - will depend on The full report can be seen via on small scale renewable meaningful engagement the ‘View from 2050’ link on energy schemes pointed with this debate. That is why, www.jmt.org “My term as a Trustee ended the way towards low carbon starting with this edition of in 2009, just as the debate lifestyles more in tune with Everyone is being invited to Members’ News, all Trust was hotting up, and one of my local environments. join this discussion. Professor members are being invited to final contributions was to urge The work of the John Muir Anne Glover, Chief Scientific engage in an informal dialogue the John Muir Trust to think Award across the whole Adviser for , says: about the role of our small more about its position in the spectrum of society (as well “This major David Hume environmental organisation in context of inevitable climate as schools-based schemes: Institute report is exciting, the journey towards 2050. change. In establishing itself timely and captures some of Eco-Schools, Forest Schools The Trust can benefit in 1983, the John Muir Trust our best thinking from the wise and Grounds for Learning) greatly from a broad-based was unique in promoting a to the provocative. It is the had increasing currency. consideration of its relevance holistic approach to protecting catalyst for debate and that is Politicians recognised the need to this topic, potentially wild land. But the political and what all good thinking thrives for nature in daily lives and increasing its social and public concern 25 years on had upon. I hope as many people political influence. It’s an moved on to include the need as possible are stimulated by opportunity to take stock of for clean air and water, healthy the essays and use the ideas what we’re already doing and soils and vibrant biodiversity How can you get to create their own imaginative consider the potential of our for natural systems as involved in the pathways to 2050.” Jeremy current activities to contribute being critical for sustainable ‘View from 2050’? , DHI Director, says: “Your positively to the discussion, development. Once the dust views would be welcome. This ■ Visit www.jmt.org and and to attaining specific had settled on the ‘credit topic will remain with us for a contribute to an online targets. crunch’, we found ourselves while!” immersed in the ‘eco-crunch’ discussion group Everyone has a part to play What role will our natural (or ‘ nature-crunch’?). Climate ■ Write in to the John Muir in this. Elsewhere on this landscapes - and, by change adaptation, carbon Trust with perspectives, page, Will Williams, one of implication, the John Muir sequestration, biodiversity comments, questions our Trustees, presents his Trust - play in this scenario? restoration, sustainable energy reflections from 2050 and we ■ Contribute to Local Group Will it be as a mitigator or sources, and putting a value on suggest a number of ways in discussions accelerator, for utilisation natural capital were some of which you could join in the as a resource with which to the big issues of 2010-2020. ■ Look out for screenings of debate. tackle climate change, as the Although small scale, the climate change filmAge of backdrop for man-made low In November 2009 the John John Muir Trust’s positive Stupid – see www.ageofstupid. carbon energy production, Muir Trust will: contribution to these issues net as a natural indicator of ■ produce a document that as they became increasingly ■ Attend the AGM and transformations as they occur, captures the essence of mainstream was a stepping- Members’ Gathering or as a symbol of our individual contributions stone to greater appreciation stances on climate change of the role of landscape and ■ Look out for updates in the issues? ■ create a simple summary its biodiversity. Working Journal/Members’ News/e- of ‘The view from 2050 – a bulletins Whatever our personal views, collaboratively, a raft of John Muir Trust members’ environmental NGOs forged a major political response ■ Help to manage and promote perspective’ a wider role, beyond one that to the perceived scale of the this discussion and take it was sometimes perceived climate change issue is on its ■ hold a networking event to forward in your own groups, very narrowly in terms of the way. There are threats and summarise, take stock, and with friends, at the pub, on the management and restoration opportunities, epitomised think ahead. hill . . .. of specific areas of wild land.

Suilven (Photo: Alan P Scott) the importance of greater engagement Trust completes five-year and understanding between people of all cairn sweep on 2009 AGM & ages. The ethos of Muir found increasing MEMBERS’ GATHERING favour and relevance – “everybody needs In November the Trust announced that The 2009 AGM and Members’ Gathering beauty as well as bread”. It was seen volunteer work parties had completed will be held Saturday & Sunday 9 & 10 that the spiritual inspiration and creativity a gruelling five-year programme of May at the Birnam Institute, near Dunkeld, that emerges from this programme is removing more than 120 unsightly cairns Perthshire. This is an opportunity for the kind of nurturing that restores the from the summit of Ben Nevis. Around 20 Members to meet John Muir Trust interdependence of ourselves and nature. cairns have been left along the main path Trustees and staff and discover more That the John Muir Award also increased close to the summit. about the major issues facing wild land social cohesion by engaging directly with The John Muir Trust, the owner of Ben and the Trust. socially deprived and ethnic minorities Nevis since 2000, has cleared these cairns was also key to this success. to preserve the wild and remote feeling at The 2009 ‘Spirit of Wild Places Lecture’ will be delivered by John Beatty, In increasing numbers, people sought the top of Britain’s highest mountain. The international photographer and editor of opportunities to ‘put something back’, and cairns were also being used as rubbish our Wild Nature Diary. A booking form is derive the ‘feel good’ factor from making bins and their proliferation could give enclosed with this mailing. a practical contribution when so many people a false sense of security which of the environmental problems seemed is no adequate replacement for map insurmountable. Such engagement reading skills necessary in poor weather New Area Manager roles conditions. with nature, fostered through the John Fran Lockhart and Mick Blunt, previously Muir Trust’s conservation work parties, The cairns, most of them only a few feet Partnership Managers in the Land became the norm, with environmental high, had been randomly built up over the Management Department, have been volunteering becoming more popular than years by walkers. They are often started redesignated Area Managers, reflecting watching football by 2015. by a collection of stones to cover up litter the way their roles have evolved in recent VisitScotland awarded the John Muir left on the summit. As they are built up years. over time by passing walkers, more and Trust its first ‘Iconic Scotland’ award in Mick Blunt will have management 2015, recognising the value of protected more rubbish is stuffed into their nooks and crannies. John Muir Trust work responsibility for all Trust land landscapes not only for tourism but for management activities within the Western national and cultural identity. With its parties dismantling these cairns also picked up hundreds of bags of litter from Isles, Assynt area (including Quinag) growing contribution to Gross Value and Skye and Lochalsh. He will also Added, through land and woodland Ben Nevis. Their excavations famously even uncovered a piano and wheelchair. have responsibility for liaison and joint management, deer culling, path repairs, grant management with Scottish Natural fencing etc, this was a significant Cairns and memorials on Scotland’s hills Heritage. contribution to the sustainability of rural are a source of intense controversy among economies. But so much more than this walkers and conservationists. The Trust Fran Lockhart will have management was the acknowledgement of ‘natural has removed these cairns in line with its responsibility for all Trust land capital’ as a more prominent economic wild land policy to “remove redundant management activities within the indicator. Wild land became interpreted non-archaeological structures”. Sandwood, Knoydart, Lochaber, in financial terms, with significant and Argyll areas. She will value placed on its provision of security There are historic reasons for keeping also be Project Manager for the Wild Land (eg reducing downstream flooding), the remaining cairns on Ben Nevis. They Biodiversity project. its contributions to climate change were built as part of the pony track that wound up to a Victorian Observatory, Both Fran and Mick will be involved in adaptation, tourism, and provision of policy work, as required, in their areas. healthy natural systems.” constructed on the summit in 1883. The observatory, funded by private donors, e-messages Back here in 2009, in what is being provided constant meteorological data variously termed ‘the age of excess’, ‘the for 20 years before being abandoned in 3,000 of our members now receive a age of denial’, and ‘the age of stupid’, we 1904. Near the ruins of the observatory is monthly e-mail from the John Muir Trust. should all be asking: the world-famous peace cairn. Dedicated Keep up to date with special offers, what’s ■ How much more could be done to to universal world peace, the cairn was on, work party updates and the latest sustain nature and natural systems for the erected on VJ Day in 1945. stories. To subscribe, simply e-mail way it underpins quality of life? [email protected] ■ Will people in 2050 be able to recognise the contribution that the John Muir Trust will have made to the way that wild land and wild areas are valued and integrated into sustainable use and development for future generations?

Agree? Disagree? . . . Let us know what you think. → www.jmt.org

Some of the remaining Ben Nevis cairns and the repaired path (Photo: Sandy Maxwell) Help find new members SIX everyday ways to raise money for the John Muir Trust reception areas or lounges By increasing our 1 Payroll giving membership, we can would be a great start, and may lead to greater things. Payroll giving is a system of regular giving, similar to Direct increase the ability of You may also like to consider Debit, but takes place directly through your salary. Simply the Trust to protect wild joining our Corporate Member authorise your employer to deduct regular donations to the land and promote the scheme to enhance the charity of your choice from your pay. The donation is deducted value of wild places. environmental impact and before tax, increasing its benefit. Some companies will even Here are some ideas credentials of your business. match your giving. of how you can help us Talks 2 Company match funding volunteering recruit more members: We are always in need of good Make your volunteering even more worthwhile. If you volunteer Clubs and groups speakers to present talks for the John Muir Trust and your employer operates a match about the Trust. If you enjoy funding programme for volunteering, you can nominate the John Are you involved in any clubs or talking to groups of people, Muir Trust as a beneficiary. societies whose members may please get in touch! also be interested in protecting 3 Everyclick Pass it on wild land? We can provide Everyclick is an online search engine which allows you to raise you with copies of the Trust’s If you have enjoyed your John money for your favourite charity. Every time you search the web new membership leaflet to Muir Trust Journal, pass using Everyclick, a small donation is made to the charity of your distribute, perhaps with a it on and spread the word. choice at no cost to you. So far, the John Muir Trust has raised newsletter or at a meeting. Give it to a friend or leave it nearly £800 from Everyclick. To help raise funds for the Trust, Tell your friends somewhere others will read it. sign up on www.everyclick.com and select the John Muir Trust as An amazing number of people your chosen charity. The passion our members have have found out about the Trust 4 Sell over eBay for wild places is contagious! while reading in waiting rooms Many of our current members across the country. You can sell an item on eBay and donate from 10% to 100% of the joined because a friend final sale price to help us protect wild land for nature and people. enthused them about the work Go for a walk So far over 170 items have been listed. To support the Trust, of the Trust and the lands in If you are out enjoying a day register your item on eBay and select the ‘John Muir Trust’ under our care. Keep spreading the in wild places safeguarded by charities you can support: www.ebay.co.uk word about the Trust among the Trust and speak to other your friends and aquaintances. walkers, do mention the Trust 5 The 118 310 Directory Enquiry Service and explain how they can be Give a gift The Trust also has a Directory Enquiry Service which sees part of something special and us benefit from a percentage of the cost of the call. Calls are If they haven’t already make their contribution. joined the Trust, you can charged at 40p with 9p being donated to the John Muir Trust. To start a friend off and mark a Work parties make it easy, keep the number - 118 310 - by the phone. special occasion with a Gift If you are taking part in one 6 Recycling Membership, which includes a of our conservation work The John Muir Trust has a partnership with The Recycling Factory copy of our Wild Nature Diary. parties, why not bring a friend? to help raise vital funds by recycling old printer and fax cartridges This is a very effective way of Events and mobile phones. This yields a minimum donation of £1 per introducing people to the work item. A third of the new members we of the Trust. recruited last year joined the Trust at events. Let us know if Share your ideas there are any fairs, festivals, Have you another suggestion exhibitions or gatherings near for generating interest among you where we could promote potential members? Please let the Trust. If you are good at us know and we will share the talking to people and can lend ideas with others. a hand on the stall, help is always welcome. Meanwhile, to all the members who have spoken proudly about Promotional opportunities the Trust and have regularly Do you run a business or encouraged others to join over organisation through which the years – “thank you!” we can reach new audiences? For more information, contact Displaying leaflets or posters 0131 554 0114 or promotions@ in your shop or office or in jmt.org

Next edition JOHN MUIR TRUST MEMBERS’ NEWS will be published in July 2009. Please send news items to Mike Brown by 5 JUNE 2009. E-mail: [email protected] or post to: ‘Drumcreel’, Kirk Road, New Galloway, Castle Douglas DG7 3RS Bringing potential members along on conservation work parties is a good way to introduce them to the Trust (Photo: Alan P Scott) Wilderness Scotland John Muir Trust work parties in 2009 The John Muir Trust benefits from the support of a variety of commercial companies, among them Scottish adventure travel All members and their friends are welcome to take part in company, Wilderness Scotland, which is enabling clients to conservation work parties on the properties of the John Muir support the Trust among a number of charities. Wilderness Trust and partner organisations. Dates listed are the actual work Scotland received its most important accolade to date when it days. More work parties are likely to be listed in the course of the became the first Scottish company to be included inNational year. Watch the Trust website for updates. Geographic Adventure magazine’s definitive list of the ‘Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth’. Wilderness Scotland was ranked 16th overall in a list of 250 companies from around the world. A key element of the judging was based on the company’s sustainability credentials – something which is going to benefit the John Muir Trust, as director Stevie Christie explains: “Our new Conservation Contribution Scheme will raise funds for our selected charities including the John Muir Trust. Our new scheme means that an optional donation to the charities is included when people book a trip. Clients can opt out of this payment but, if they agree to it, we are going to match-fund their donation. We hope that this will increase the funds we raise for these charities and will also engender a greater buy-in to wilderness conservation by our clients.” Wilderness Scotland has also just launched a new self-guided walking holiday based around John Muir, which visits locations associated with him and includes several John Muir Trust properties. The trip fee includes a donation to the Trust which means that anyone who books this trip is helping to contribute to the work which John Muir inspired. Date Location Notes For details of Wilderness Scotland’s holidays, please visit www. 12-14 March Assynt Blocking drains to create bog wildernessscotland.com or call 0131 625 6635 to request a 14 & 15 March Carrifran High level tree planting weekend brochure. 2-4 April Sandwood Beach cleans, path work etc. 18 & 19 April Carrifran High level tree planting weekend 25 & 26 April Glen Nevis Transect volunteer group meeting The John Muir Odyssey 1-4 May Quinag Pathwork (4 May is May Day holiday)

The John Muir Odyssey is a ■ 2-4 May: ‘Our Wee Planet’. 16 & 17 May Carrifran High level tree planting weekend programme of events which Wildlife and environment 22-25 May Li & Pathwork, transects & general work John Muir’s Birthplace and festival. Coirre Dhorrcail (25 May is Spring Bank Holiday) the Scottish Seabird Centre ■ 25 June–13 December: ‘A 30 May Ben Nevis Cairns & rubbish removal are delivering in partnership Scotchman Comes Home – 1-6 June North Harris Beaches, fences & pathwork for the Homecoming Scotland John Muir’s Homecoming 2009 celebrations (see Journal 9-12 June Galson Details to be confirmed Journey 1893’. Exhibition 46 page 4). These will include: at John Muir’s Birthplace, 27 June Ben Nevis Cairns & rubbish removal ■ John Muir’s Dunbar. Dunbar. 16-19 July Glen Nevis Surveying Mountain Ringlets, Water Available as a guided or self- voles etc. ■ 24-26 July: ‘Creative Visions guided walk. (All year) of Nature’. Art and sculpture 20-28 July Inverie Mass Rhodie bash, ragwort pulling & beaches ■ Journeys in the footsteps exhibition at the Scottish of John Muir. Organised by Seabird Centre. 15 August Ben Nevis Cairns & rubbish removal Wilderness Scotland. (All year) To find out more about these 27-29 August Sandwood Pathwork, possibly camping at Sandwood House ■ 20-26 April: ‘The Big Picnic’ and other John Muir Odyssey A John Muir Birthday event for events, call 01368 865899 or 9-18 September Skalanes Iceland trip (fully booked with waiting schools. visit www.jmbt.org.uk list) ■ 21 April: Publication of John ■ Carrifran (Borders Forest Trust, near Moffat) also run groups on Sundays 15 March, 19 April, 17 May, 21 June and most Tuesdays Muir: a Scotchman Comes Bilingual Wildlife Home. Dictionary ■ Friends of Knoydart are planning another volunteering holiday similar to the one they ran in June last year. Dates tbc. ■ 24-26 April: Great Scots Scottish Natural Heritage has Walking Festival. launched an online Gaelic/ ■ Friends of Nevis are still planning 2009 events. ■ 1 May: The Shindig. A real English wildlife dictionary, with a large database of If you would like further information, or to book a place on a Scottish ceilidh at North work party, contact Sandy Maxwell by post: John Muir Trust Berwick Harbour. Gaelic words for trees, plants, animals and more with audio Conservation Work Parties, Top Right, 69 Hyndland Street, ■ 1-4 May: ‘Muir’s World by included for pronunciation. G11 5PS, by phone: 0141 576 6663, mobile 07766 380 Land and Sea’. Spectacular 663 or by e-mail: [email protected] → www.snh.org.uk/gaelic/ seabird and wildlife trips. dictionary

Work party members burning cleared rhododendron (Photo: Alan P Scott) CLASSIFIEDS for our members

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Just bring your Mackay. 01971 521 335 catering in Laurieston village, aviemore-self-catering.org boots, or phone for brochure. 01785 ideal for exploring Scotland’s 665 834 PERTHSHIRE Peaceful 4* self- AUCHTERMUCHTYNE, FIFE Superb beautiful southwest. Hillwalking, catering accommodation, north lodge in quiet rural setting. STB forest walks, lots of wonderful LAKE DISTRICT Lorton-Buttermere shore Loch Tay adjacent to Ben 4-star. The perfect self-catering wildlife. Sleeps 8 at a pinch, terms valley. 3 well-equipped cottages in Lawers NNR and Trossachs NP. hideaway. One king/en-suite; one reduced for small numbers. Full former hill farm; sleep 2/5/8; ETB Ideal for couples. Excellent hill- twin/large bathroom. Contact Liz brochure available. 01224 595 561 / 3-star. Ideal for family reunions. walking base, summer and winter, or Brian. 01337 828 386 / www. [email protected] Stunning views. Walk or bike from 35 Munros within 20 miles. 01567 baincraiglodge.co.uk door. 5 lakes within seven miles. 820 527 / www.morenishmews.com Cosy, well- 0190 085 206 / www.highswinside. BALLATER 2 newly completed 4* equipped cottage, sleeps 4 in the demon.co.uk PLOCKTON Comfortable well- luxury self-catering apartments conservation village of Tomich. equipped cottage, sleeps 6, set in in heart of village. Perfect base Ideal for walking, birdwatching, LOCHAVICH, ARGYLL Warm, crofting fields and on NTS coastal for hiking and biking. Tullich biking, fishing. Open all year. C/H, comfortable courtyard cottage walk midway between Kyle of apartment (£350–500 pw) sleeps 4, wood-burning stove, garden, dogs in isolated but accessible glen Lochalsh and Plockton. Good Gairn (£500–750 pw) sleeps 6. Both welcome. 01721 723 339 / dfpeck@ 18 miles south of Oban. Miles of access to Skye, Glen Sheil and btinternet.com Torridon. www.stationcottage.com POOLEWE Ideal base to explore STRATHGLASS, nr BEAULY Knoydart, Mallaig, PH41 4PL. 01687 NORDIC WALKING courses Ross-shire. Loch-side croft, Beautiful holiday lodge, sleeps 462 656 / [email protected] in beautiful Ross-shire with a stunning views towards Great 4. Lovely, peaceful location. Log / www.doune-knoydart.co.uk qualified instructor. Small, friendly Wilderness. 30 mins S to fire to keep you warm on those groups to suit any level of fitness. HIGHLAND PERTHSHIRE and NNR. Fully winter evenings. Contact Sue & Guided walks, instruction and hire Coshieville House B&B offers a modernised cottage, 3 bedrooms, Keith Walker. 01463 782 931 / www. of equipment; just come and enjoy. warm family welcome, comfortable sleeps 6. 01445 781 307 / highlandholidaylodge.co.uk 01997 414 376 / hazelnut1@tesco. night and hearty breakfast. Nearest [email protected] / www. net seasidecroft.co.uk Comfortable cottage B&B to Schiehallion. Guest lounge on coast near Lochinver, Assynt with wood -burning stove. Open PEAKDISTRICT self-guided walking SANDWOOD AREA : Gull (NC 053 264). Close to Quinag, all year. 01887 830 319 / www. holidays. Millstone uplands, Cottage, sleeps 4, and the Barn, Suilven and other fine hills. Local aberfeldybandb.com limestone valleys, attractive sleeps 2. Both fully equipped and walks and unspoilt sandy beaches. country towns & villages. Varied ISLE OF MULL House open all year. Graham or Lynn, Gull Sleeps 5. £240–400 pw. 0131 665 routes include lesser used paths. offers a warm welcome. Spacious, Cottage, Achriesgill, Rhiconich, 2055 / [email protected] Walk directions, maps, background comfortable B&B. Views of Sound Lairg IV27 4RJ. 01971 521 717 information provided, luggage of Iona and ; walking, SUTHERLAND Ardmore peninsula, transport & accommodation wildlife, beaches, boat trips. SANDWOOD Lovely croft house accessible by boat/footpath. 2 arranged. info@drystonewalks. Delicious meals using local/ near Polin beach by ; comfy cottages. Stunning scenery, co.uk sleeps 7/8. £175–300 pw. jude_ otters + seals. Most northerly organic products where possible. [email protected] wood W.coast mainland. Far from Open all year. 01681 700 677 / RICHARD McGUIRE Skye guiding noise of traffic. Sea kayaking and gillian@staffahouse. co.uk / www. since 1995. Skye Munros, SANDWOOD Self-catering family climbing available. Contact Marie staffahouse.co.uk scrambles and climbs with an bungalows at Oldshoremore. 3 Christine Ridgway. 01971 521 229 / experienced local guide. Winter ISLE OF SKYE Bed & Breakfast, bedrooms; sleep 5 & 6. STB 3*, www.johnridgway.co.uk skills and rockclimbing instruction. Mrs Nancy Wightman, Inveralavaig, 4*. Own field centre, wonderful 5-day courses or private guiding. Penifiler, by Portree IV51 9NG. East beaches, hill-walking, peace. Dilys SUTHERLAND Spacious 01478 613 180/07796 467 886 / shore of Loch Portree NG 488423. & Michael Otter, Smithy House, 3-bedroom bungalow in Assynt, paddy@ blavenguiding.co.uk / www. 01478 612 322 / www.isleofskye. Oldshoremore, Kinlochbervie IV27 on the Stoer peninsula. Extensive blavenguiding.co.uk 4RS. 01971 521 729 views, close to variety of walks and me.uk beaches. NC040317. Lochinver 9 SELF-GUIDED walking holidays in LAKES Lonscale s/c hostel, S. BRITTANY House near miles. Sleeps 6; no pets/smoking. UK and Alps. Tour du Mont Blanc, detached, stone-built, at Threlkeld Quimperle; 5 beds – comfortably £300–600 pw. 01571 855 360 / West Highland Way, SwissAlps, on slopes of Blencathra. Excellent sleeps 7 adults; large garden. £500 www.achardholidaylets.co.uk French Alps, Julian Alps, base for groups. Sleeps 22, c/h, pw. On estuary, with small fishing Tatras, Lakes, Skye. Follow our common room, drying room, port, cliff walks, coastal path, SUTHERLAND 2-bedroom routecards to explore by yourself. showers, toilets, kitchen, 9 beaches. 10% to JMT. 01344 845 bungalow between Tongue and Plus guided programme. www. bedrooms (2 en-suite). Contact 395 evenings Bettyhill, overlooking Torrisdale alpineexploratory.com Bay. Modern conveniences. Sleeps Janet Elliott. 01768 779 601 / SECLUDED SNOWDONIA Self- 4-6. Excellent for walking, fishing enquiries.bl@ field-studies-council. SKYAKADVENTURES Sea kayak catering rooms, bunkhouse, and wildlife. Idyllic beaches. £200 org expeditions, courses and guiding. yurt, camping in upland valley p.w. + electricity costs. Contact BCU level 5 coach. Unique sea SKYE Double & family en-suite, overlooking Conwy valley; Pamela Clarke. 01604 647 343 kayaking experiences in a world- single with private facilities. £28– panoramic views of Snowdonia. class location. Gordon & Morag £35 pp/pn. 4-course evening meal Good base for your JM Award S-W LAKES Remote cottage with Brown, Sleat, Isle of Skye. 01471 (£20) by arrangement. Ron & Pam project, advice available. Contact stunning views; sleeps 2 to 6. 833 428 / info@skyakadventures. Davison, Tir Alainn, 1/2 of 8 Upper Del Davies. 01492 640 906 / del. [email protected] com / www. skyakadventures.com [email protected] Breakish, Skye IV42 8PY. 01471 822 TORRIN, SKYE Clover Hill. STB 366 / [email protected] / VILAYATOURS based in SEDBERGH Self-catering and B&B 4* comfortable, well equipped www.visitskye.com Chachapoyas, Northern Peru, in fabulous Victorian house, foot cottage. 3 bedrooms, sleeps the richest archaeological and SUTHERLAND Overscaig House of Howgills. Sleep 6 or 8, double/ 6. Idyllic burnside location. biodiverse area of South America. Hotel: a great base to explore the twin rooms, 3 bathrooms, shower. Magnificent view of Blaven across Hotel-based and camping treks North Highlands. Near Assynt, Open fire/stove, CH. Aga in kitchen, Loch Slapin. £295–£535 pw. 01471 throughout the region arranged to Sandwood Bay, NW Geopark. utility room, garden. 01539 620 360 822 763 / [email protected] / suit. [email protected] / www. Peace and tranquillity with a warm / [email protected] www.cloverhill-torrin.co.uk vilayatours.com Highland welcome. Contact Jan SKYE Sligachan and Carbost: TYWYN, MID-WALES On edge of & Martin. 01549 431 203 / www. WALKDEESIDE LTD offer guided Two comfortable, well equipped, small village at southern edge overscaig.com walking holidays in Royal Deeside traditional cottages sleeping max of Snowdonia National Park. and the Cairngorms; NNAS HOLIDAYS 8. Either makes ideal base for Sleeps 6 comfortably. Wonderful mountain navigation courses; exploring or climbing. Details, area for walking and other ANAM CARA retreat centre in Cairngorm Munros, W Highland including availability calendar, outdoor interests. Good rates for Way, Speyside Way. Quality hotels, interior and exterior photos JMT members. 07973 278 297 / . Wide range of day events, and residential local, experienced leaders. Contact available on-line. 01478 640 218 / [email protected] Alan Melrose. 01339 880 081 / [email protected] week/ weekend retreats. ‘Time for HOTELS, B&B ETC Trees’ work weeks, bushcraft, flint [email protected] knapping, stone dykeing, sweat SKYE Trotternish: STB 4* WILDERNESS Scotland adventure BALNAGUARD, PERTHSHIRE 4- lodges, meditation, holistic detox, traditional crofthouse, sensitively holidays in the Highlands & Star B&B in the tranquil village of Yoga. 01463 711 702 / welcome@ modernised. Totally unspoilt Islands. Wilderness walking, situation. Panoramic views of sea, Balnaguard in Highland Perthshire. anamcara.org / www.anamcara.org Wonderful range of breakfasts, sea-kayaking, sailing, canoeing, islands, mountains - Torridon, An mountain biking, winter walking, Teallach, Kintail etc. Sleeps five; friendly hosts and great walking. ANDEAN TRAILS South America Contact Ann Croft. 01796 482 627 / adventure travel specialist. Group ski mountaineering trips. Also two bathrooms. Mature garden. specialist family adventure holiday Contact David Hudson. 01449 760 www.balbeagan.com tours or tailor-made itineraries. service. 0131 625 6635 / stevie@ 428 / www.freespace.virgin.net/ Trek, climb, raft or mountain- BORROWDALE Traditional Lake bike trips; Andes to the Amazon wildernessscotland.com / www. david.hudson5 District walker’s hotel. Hearty rainforest; Galapagos cruises and wildernessscotland.com SOUTH OF FRANCE Two bedroom home cooking, open fire & cosy sea-kayaking. 0131 467 7086 / house. In picturesque village with bar. Special rates available. Royal www.andeantrails.co.uk vineyards and wooded hills. Huge Oak Hotel, Rosthwaite, Keswick variety of walking and cycling CA12 5XB. 01768 777 214 / www. BEALLICH A health and activity from the door. Caroux gorges and royaloakhotel.co.uk provider near Grantown-on-Spey. Advertising is offered (subject to space) for mountains nearby. Béziers airport Yoga, mountaineering, massages members’ business ventures. No charge DOUNE, KNOYDART Pine lodge: is made but donations or in-kind support 30 minutes. From £350/week. in a stunning setting. Silver Green groups of up to 12. Excellent food. welcome. 35-word max. Please notify changes www.faugeresrental.com Tourism Scheme, supporters of Fast launch to access Knoydart ‘Leave No Trace’. Contact Patrick to contact on P4. coastline & Small Isles for walking, or Abby Harrison. 01807 510 242 / The number of members taking up the offer wildlife, photography etc. Doune, www.beallich.com of free advertising means that we are unable to publish all the adverts submitted. It is our intention that those omitted from this edition will be carried in the summer edition of Members’ News. Forthcoming Events Dynamic lecture in Joint meeting On 3 October, a 100-strong audience, invited by local Sunday 8 March: The Glasgow members of the Trust with the and West of Scotland Group support of the Lochbroom and and the newly formed Assynt Field Clubs, welcomed Edinburgh Group are having Professor Stuart Monro, a get-together with lunch in Scientific Director of Dynamic a pub. This will give us a rare Earth and geological adviser opportunity to socialise. to the Trust, to the Macphail Further details from Mike Gray Centre in Ullapool. on 01360 550962. This was part of a busy Yorkshire Region programme for Stuart who also introduced a group Saturday & Sunday 14 & 15 of Ullapool High School March: Conservation Weekend students to some of the more We will be holding another 7pm Caledonian University South of England and spectacular incidents in the conservation weekend for George Moore Building Room South Wales Members’ earth’s history and contributed Trust members and friends. M402. Further information Gathering to the John Muir Trust Forum. The venue, as usual, is Upper from Heather Willimott Trust members had travelled Sunday 15 November: The Wensleydale with overnight heatherwillimott@valleyfield. from as far afield as Ardgay South of England and South accommodation on 13 and 14 fsbusiness.co.uk or Mike Gray and Tain to learn at first Wales Members’ Gathering March in the Harris House [email protected] hand from staff about the will be held at Jury’s Hotel Bunkhouse in Hardraw or pioneering work in biodiversity Edinburgh Members Group Bristol. Speakers will include in the YHA in Hawes (to be at Sandwood Bay and on a senior officer of the Trust decided). The tasks are not Thursday 16 April (evening Quinag, and about the Trust’s updating us on its work and Dr all known at this point but will event): John Mayhew of current initiative researching Mariano Devoto revealing his include some coppicing work. Scottish Environment LINK sustainable development for research findings on the flora Any help is welcome - do not (www.scotlink.org) will talk to communities. Our thanks go to of Caledonian pine forests. feel that it is necessary to the Edinburgh members group Don O’Driscoll and Mick Blunt commit to the whole weekend. about the joint campaigning Further information: Sue for their expert input and to Tools and hot drinks are work of LINK. Venue - 14 and Brian Pollard, e-mail: Sam Baumber and Hannah provided. You just need packed Jordan Lane, EH10. [email protected] Stace who took the opportunity lunches and preferably old, but to forge relationships with Sunday 31 May: Joint London warm and waterproof, clothing. members and sign up a few conservation activity day with Wednesday 6 May: SW1 more. Further details from John Page Friends of Roslin Glen. For Gallery, Victoria - Special on 01904 425175 or at john. more details of the above The highlight of the day was commission by artist James [email protected] events, please see the ‘What’s Stuart’s illustrated lecture, Hawkins to mark the 10th On’ section of Trust’s website, ‘Scotland’s journey told Glasgow and West of Anniversary of the Knoydart or contact Ian Lee-Bapty 0131 through the rocks’, in which Scotland Group Foundation. 315 4117 or bappers@supanet. he used stunning images of Tuesday 21 April (John Muir’s com or Julie Catto 07882 Evening reception for local the Highland and Lowland birthday): The group’s AGM 029772 or Mary Inglis 0131 553 members, public viewing landscapes to take us through will be followed by a short 7967. during weekdays. geological time and then, presentation from Dr Richard using computer graphics, gave Mitchell on the ‘Health Impacts us a tantalising glimpse of of the John Muir Award’. Scotland’s probable future on The return of the beavers the edge of a great landmass Our main speaker, Will Boyd On 26 November, the Glasgow and West of Scotland Group in the Arctic. His knowledge, Wallis (pictured), will deliver enjoyed an excellent talk from Simon Jones of the Scottish enthusiasm and generosity a talk, ‘Fountains of life: Wildlife Trust (SWT) on the re-introduction of beavers in made for a memorable evening An exploration of Yosemite Knapdale, Argyll. The SWT and Royal Zoological Society of and created a real buzz in the National Park in California and Scotland are proposing a trial reintroduction now that the village. Thank you, Stuart, and Cairngorms National Park in Scottish Government has given consent for up to four beaver we hope to welcome you to the Scotland’. A recent climbing families to be reintroduced after six months’ quarantine. Simon North West again soon! trip to Yosemite National Park outlined how the Scottish Beaver Trial could see beavers in California gave Will the Sue Hopkinson living in the wild in Scotland for the first time since they were chance to contemplate afresh hunted to extinction in the 16th century. He also explained the Trust’s role in spreading that by bringing these useful creatures back to their native John Muir’s message to “do environment, we will have the chance to restore a missing part of something for wildness”. Are our ecosystems where beavers play an important role, we getting it right in Scotland? having a positive effect on both environmental and woodland Are they getting it right in management, and on the wider biodiversity of the area in which Editor: Mike Brown. Layout and production Yosemite? This talk is for management: Strathcashel Publications Project they live. They can also encourage wildlife tourism, with positive anyone with an interest in Management. spin-offs for local communities. maintaining a healthy, long- Printed by Woods, Perth Heather Willimott term relationship with nature. © John Muir Trust, February 2009. Published by the John Muir Trust (Charitable Company registered in Scotland. Registered office: Tower House, Station Road, Pitlochry PH16 5AN, Photo: Will Boyd Wallis finding inspiration in Yosemite. He will be sharing his inspiration Scotland. Charity no: SCO02061 Company no: with Glasgow and West of Scotland members at their AGM on 21 April. SCO81620)