Conservation charity the John Muir Trust (JMT) is urging walkers to turn away from the usual consumerist frezy and give an alternative gift this Christmas. The JMT says its Adopt an Acre is the ideal gift for mountaineers, hillwalkers and anyone else, at home or abroad, who has an emotional connection with the mighty mountains of the Scottish Highlands.
Ben Nevis (photo: shutterstock/John A Cameron)
Four of Scotland’s finest Munros have been offered for ‘adoption’ by the John Muir Trust – with the proceeds helping to fund conservation work on each of the mountains, including footpath repairs, landscape enhancement and wildlife protection.
For £25, members of the public can ‘Adopt an Acre’ of Ben Nevis, Schiehallion in Highland Perthshire, Blà Bheinn on Skye or Ladhar Bheinn in Knoydart for a year. The symbolic adoption scheme, launched in 2016, has already proven a resounding success with hundreds of acres already adopted, generating valuable funds for conservation.
Daisy Clark of the John Muir Trust: “We’ve been delighted at the response to our Adopt an Acre scheme, with many people welcoming the opportunity to do something a bit different as an alternative to the annual festive frenzy of consumerism that we all tend to get swept away with this time of year.
“It’s the perfect gift for anyone who loves nature and the outdoors, whether seasoned climbers and Munro-baggers, walkers, wildlife enthusiasts or those who just appreciate Scotland’s magnificent mountain scenery.”
You can order online. Your gift pack will include a special certificate with your personal message to the recipient; inspiring information about your chosen mountain; and details of the conservation work your gift will support.
Those adopting two or more acres will also be able to choose from an exclusive mountain print or a new limited edition enamel keyring depicting the mountain of your choice.
Adopt an Acre gifts start at £25 for one acre and can be ordered online here.