Volunteering on increase in National Parks

A unique five-year projects is helping to increase volunteering in Scotland's National Parks.

The Mountains and the People Project launched in the summer of 2015, with the vision of involving the people of Scotland and beyond in the enhancement and protection of the wild and special qualities of the mountains within the country's two National Parks.

Over the past six months, volunteers have spend over 1,500 hours in the Cairngorms National Park and the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park taking part in a variety of conservation work like path maintenance, habitat management and dry stone walling.

Simon Jones, Director of Conservation and Visitor Operations at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, said:

"Volunteers play an important and valuable role in the work of the National Park and this project is providing a fantastic new range of opportunities for people to learn new skills and get involved in the care and protection of these special landscapes."

Led by the Cairngorms Outdoor Access Trust, this conservation partnership project brings together Scotland’s two National Park Authorities, Cairngorms and Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, alongside Scottish Natural Heritage, Forestry Commission Scotland and the Heritage Lottery Fund. 

CEO of Cairngorms Outdoor Access Trust, Dougie Baird, commented:

"Our volunteers have come from across Scotland and beyond and have played a massive role in the work we have done, helping us to conserve the natural heritage of Scotland's National Parks. 

We are enthusiastic for 2017 as our volunteering programme gathers momentum and we look forward to working with ever increasing numbers of volunteers in both of our National Parks."

As well as the regular volunteer days offered in each National Park, there are also opportunities for corporate groups, schools and organised groups – along with our Adopt a Path scheme. To play your part in the conservation of our national heritage visit The Mountains and the People website.