Ben Lawers 75
Donate todayFor 75 years, the National Trust for Scotland has cared for the breathtaking Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve – a refuge for rare arctic-alpine plants, wildlife and one of the UK’s most stunning landscapes.
With seven Munros, a treasure trove of archaeological remains and wildlife ranging from majestic red deer to delicate invertebrates, Ben Lawers is a special place for nature lovers, adventurers and history enthusiasts alike.
But this extraordinary place is under threat. Overgrazing, climate change and erosion are putting its delicate ecosystems under immense pressure. We’re doing everything possible to tackle these threats, but we can’t do it alone.
Together, we can protect Ben Lawers
Ben Lawers inspires thousands of visitors annually, but balancing conservation with public access is no easy task. Over 40,000 people explore these hills each year, and the repeated trampling damages fragile mountain vegetation. Erosion scars appear, exposing the soil to harsh weather and accelerating deterioration.
To combat this, our Footpath Team works tirelessly to repair and maintain paths, but their job is never done. As climate change reduces protective winter snow and increases rainfall, new challenges constantly arise.
Your support makes a difference. It enables us to:
- Monitor and restore fragile ecosystems to protect rare and declining species.
- Reverse habitat loss through pioneering techniques like montane scrub restoration.
- Innovate conservation efforts, like using GPS-collared cattle for strategic grazing to encourage natural regeneration.
Over 40,000 people explore these hills annually, and the repeated trampling damages fragile mountain vegetation. Erosion scars appear, exposing the soil to harsh weather and accelerating deterioration. Your support makes a difference.
Conservation in action: a legacy of success
Take the Highland saxifrage (Saxifraga rivularis). By 1989, this rare plant had dwindled to a single surviving specimen due to over-collection by plant collectors. Through careful propagation, we’ve brought it back from the brink. We’re now focusing on mountain sandwort, which is declining dramatically due to climate change. Your support allows us to collect seedlings, conduct vital research and propagate new plants to secure their future.
Thanks to dedicated supporters, we’ve also restored montane scrub habitats, planting thousands of shrubs and trees within protective enclosures. This essential habitat was on the verge of disappearing entirely.
The next 75 years start with you
As we celebrate 75 years of safeguarding Ben Lawers, we look ahead to ensure it thrives for future generations. Will you help us reach our goal of raising £75,000 to support vital conservation projects?
Donate today to support essential work like footpath repairs and species monitoring.
Your generosity can help protect the rare plants, wildlife and habitats that make Ben Lawers so unique. Together, we can ensure this natural wonder continues to inspire for decades to come.
Donate now and be part of Ben Lawers’ future.