About
The John Muir Trust is a charity that was founded in 1983. We believe wild places are essential for the wellbeing of people and wildlife
Our vision
A world where wild places are respected and protected, where nature flourishes and where the value of wildness is shared for the benefit of everyone.
Our mission
To work with others to inspire people to get close to wild nature; speak up for the benefits of wildness; prevent the loss of wild places; manage wild places in a responsible and exemplary fashion; and repair and rewild what has been damaged in the past.
Our inspiration
We take our name and inspiration from John Muir, the Scots-born founder of the modern conservation movement. Muir was passionate about wild places. He explored them, wrote about them and campaigned to protect them.
Like Muir, we believe in protecting wild places – for their own sake, and for the wellbeing of people and wildlife.
Over 25,000 members, supporters and partners contribute to our work. Our activities generate over £1m worth of conservation volunteering each year.
If you love wild places, then please join us or make a donation.
Our milestones and property purchases
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Team
The John Muir Trust team works in a variety of locations throughout the UK. Get in touch with them and Trustees using our directory
Jobs
Find details of all the latest vacancies at the John Muir Trust here. Click on the links below for information and job descriptions
Press
Find all John Muir Trust press releases using our handy filter
Resources
Browse our online resources to find more information about the work of the John Muir Trust
Supporters
Thanks to all our valued partners and supporters
Contact us
About John Muir (1838-1914)
John Muir grew up in Dunbar, east of Edinburgh, where he developed his love for nature. At age 10, he emigrated to the United States with his family.
He embraced all nature from mosquitoes to mountain ranges, recognising that everything is connected. His passion for wild places led to a life-long quest to protect them.
Muir’s writings helped people understand the importance of wildness. He saved Yosemite Valley in California and helped create the world’s first national park system.
Why John Muir inspires us:
He demonstrated a love of wild land and of the natural world
Muir immersed himself in all aspects of the natural world, from the smallest insect to the grandest mountain scenery. He visited wild places around the world but the American wilderness had a particular pull.
He argued for the intrinsic value of nature
Muir was one of the first to argue that the natural world had a value that wasn’t dependent on its use by humans. He suggested that mankind occupied a place that was a part of nature, rather than having dominion over it.
He argued for the restorative and spiritual effects of experiencing nature
Muir believed visiting wild places was important for recharging mind and body. Through his writing, he tried to convey his love of the wild as well as educate and inspire people to care for nature.
He campaigned for the protection of wild places
Muir’s contribution to the world conservation movement was considerable. His influence helped establish several national parks in the United States and he was a founder of the Sierra Club.
When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe
John Muir
Governance of the John Muir Trust
Find out more about us, our charitable objectives and our corporate strategy