Appeals: The John Muir Trust

The John Muir Trust, which was founded 10 years ago, takes its name from a Scotsman who pioneered the need to conserve wild places in the 19th century. At the age of 11, he and his family emigrated to the American mid-west, where he explored the High Sierras and Alaska; later he campaigned for the creation of the Yosemite National Park. The trust is now pursuing Muir's ideals in Scotland: it believes that ownership, followed by good stewardship, is the best way to protect wild land and has bought three such places at Li and Coire Dhorcaill at Knoydart, at Torrin on the Isle of Skye, and at Sandwood, in Sutherland. The first is on the shores of Loch Hourn, reaching the summit of Ladhar Bheinn (1,020m), the second is a crofting estate on the eastern side of the island, and the third has a remote bay with dunes and cliffs, wild heaths and several islands. The total of 20,000 acres of land is managed sensitively for both nature and mankind. The trust is keen to welcome new members so that it can continue and expand its work.

Freepost John Muir Trust, Musselburgh, Midlothian EH21 7BR, telephone 0826 23315.