Trust seeks partner input into new strategy

New strategic plan prompts call for ideas and collaborations for wild places across sectors.

From crofters to climbers, colleges to councils, the John Muir Trust is keen to hear from others on where its new strategy creates opportunities for partnership and/or a shared understanding of how wild places can support local communities and/or diverse groups.  

Developed with input from its Trustees, staff and Members, the Trust's Strategic Plan will launch in the first half of this year. It brings forward five key objectives aimed at making the organisation the leading voice for wild places in the next five years. Those strategic objectives are: 

• To demonstrate exemplary management of wild places. 
• To inspire people and communities to experience and feel empowered to advocate for the benefits of wild places.
• To influence government and land managers to protect wild places.
• To strengthen societal understanding and value of wild places.
• To be an exemplary organisation for all.

Feedback during February

We're asking that during the month of February we hear from people and organisations interested in partnering with us to take action for wild places. Conversations will be used to inform the work the Trust will bring forward to deliver its vision and mission through its strategy.  

We would like to hear your thoughts on our direction, especially around the following prompts: 

1. We are interested in shared understanding and collaboration. Can you see areas of crossover between your own strategic direction and the John Muir Trust's strategy?  

2. Are you involved in or planning any projects, campaigns or policies that the Trust should be aware of, and/or that we can contribute towards? 

3. Is there anything that you believe is missing from our strategy; are we using the right language; and/or can we better position ourselves and wild places across geographies and sectors?  

Our aim is to inspire people about the benefits of wild places across the UK. We’re particularly interested in where wild places can support local communities and or diverse groups across all parts of society. We are keen to develop more of our work to involve young people. We would like to do more to demonstrate exemplary land management in partnership with local communities, land owner’s and wider groups. On the advocacy side we’re seeking alliances that further showcase the role of wild places to tackle the climate crisis and reverse biodiversity loss.  

The Trust’s vision is of a world where wild places are valued for present and future generations. We believe wild places are where nature has the freedom to restore, people have the freedom to enjoy and communities have the freedom to thrive.  

• To find out more, request a follow-up discussion, or submit responses please get in touch via email at partnerships@johnmuirtrust.org before 25 February 2022. 

In these changing and challenging times, we know other organisations across sectors are thinking creatively about their own strategic directions. We are asking if we can collaborate and form alliances to help showcase and increase the impact of wild places to tackle the climate crisis and reverse biodiversity loss, as well as inspiring and supporting diverse groups of people across the UK about the benefits of wild places.

Kevin Lelland, John Muir Trust, Head of Development and Communications