National Trust For Scotland launches annual footpath fund appeal as countryside visitors climb
Charity appeals for Footpath Fund donations as countryside visitors increase by 16 percent in first half of the year.
Article Source: National Trust For Scotland
Last Updated: 25 July 2024 9:52
The National Trust for Scotland has launched its annual Footpath Fund appeal to raise funds to support the maintenance and repair of more than 300 miles of paths as 2024 visitor numbers to the charity’s countryside locations increase by 10 percent so far.
The conservation charity’s team of five path makers and specialist contractors ensure the 275 miles of upland footpaths, and a large section of the Trust’s 155 miles of low-level paths, remain accessible and in good condition for the millions of people who visit the countryside properties each year. This work not only prevents erosion scars and protects the fragile ecosystems where walkers may inadvertently stray from paths, but it also makes visiting these places more accessible for more people.
The ongoing maintenance and repair of the footpaths is vital as they face numerous challenges. Year on year, millions set out to enjoy Scotland’s outdoors. Visitors to the Trust’s countryside properties have increased from 900k in the first half of 2023 to just over 1m in the first six months of this year.
Three of the Trust’s most visited countryside places include Ben Lomond, which has grown 27% since 2022 with over 31k visitors; Grey Mare’s Tail, which has increased 34% over the same period to 25k; and St Abb’s Head, which has grown by 86% to 51k visitors - an increase of 24k people.
High footfall naturally wears the paths down and when coupled with the Scottish weather’s swings from sun to snow in a single day, erosion is exacerbated, which risks lasting damage to the countryside and its vulnerable biodiversity. Additional funding is necessary to support these crucial ongoing works.
Bob Brown, Upland Path Manager for the National Trust for Scotland, said: “Our footpaths lead visitors to Scotland’s nature, heritage, and beauty so it’s crucial we provide our footpath team with the resources they need to maintain them. Their work is vast and wide-ranging, including recent rebuilding work at Grey Mare’s Tail where flash flooding blasted holes into the path.
“Walkers inadvertently carved new routes through delicate ecosystems as they strayed from the flooded path into the surrounding habitats, endangering native flora and fauna. The footpath team not only repaired the damaged sections, but they also helped protect it in future by improving drainage systems to mitigate increased flooding. This is often made especially challenging due to many of the sites we work on having important geological and botanical attributes and Special Scientific Interest categorisation. Rather than use existing but protected materials on site, all rebuilding materials are acquired elsewhere and airlifted in.
“By maintaining and repairing footpaths that blend seamlessly into the landscape, they ensure everyone can enjoy the unique beauty of our hills and mountains, both today and for those that follow in our footsteps.”
Donations to the Footpath Fund help the Trust to progress its ambitious mountain path restoration plan to tackle damaged sites at Ben Lawers, Ben Lomond, Glencoe, Goatfell, Torridon, and Kintail.
They also support pre-emptive work to counter the effects of increased visitor numbers and climate change on natural habitats and footpaths; conduct audits on the state of lowland paths and develop a plan of work to ensure they’re maintained to the highest standards; and trial new repair techniques to ensure work continues to be as effective and sustainable as possible.
For more information or to make a donation, visit: www.nts.org.uk/footpath
Sponsored Links
Latest Renfrewshire News
Edinburgh Butter Company announces search for the Best Croissant in Scotland
The Edinburgh Butter Company is excited to announce the launch of Scotland’s first-ever croissant competition, open to bakers across the country.
READ MORE
Renfrewshire communities encouraged to participate in Spotless September
Renfrewshire residents who want to help make their local neighbourhoods cleaner and more inviting places to live, work and visit are being encouraged to take part in Spotless September.
READ MORE
Get ready to be blown away... Twisters returns to 4DX at Cineworld
Hold onto your popcorn, because Cineworld is thrilled to announce the whirlwind return of the blockbuster hit Twisters to 4DX screens nationwide, due to an overwhelming tornado of popular demand!
READ MORE
The Force reawakens at Vue venues in Scotland this September as the Star Wars saga returns to the big screen
Film fans are invited to revisit a galaxy far, far away this September as every main Star Wars film brings some of cinema's most iconic heroes and villains back to the big screen.
READ MORE
Great Scottish Run: 4 weeks to go
Are you ready to take on Scotland's greatest running event at this year's AJ Bell Great Scottish Run in Glasgow on Sunday 6 October?
READ MORE
Unique venue offers the perfect stage
Festival-goers attending the fourth Music at the Multiverse festival at the weekend enjoyed fantastic live music, sunshine and showers in one of Scotland’s most spectacular outdoor venues.
READ MORE
Thousands from Northern Ireland set sail for Scottish universities
Students go FREE with Stena Line on Cairnryan and Liverpool routes.
READ MORE
Iconic buildings across Renferwshire set to welcome visitors for Doors Open Days 2024
Spectacular venues across Renfrewshire will welcome visitors as part of Doors Open Days, which includes a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the birth of Paisley's weaver poet, Robert Tannahill.
READ MORE
Scottish Borders winter light trail, Monteviot Lights, returns for a second year
Prepare to be enchanted once again this winter as Monteviot Lights returns to Monteviot House & Gardens!
READ MORE
Book early for Breakfast with Santa at Cardwell Garden Centre
Santa Claus may be coming to town, but he's also coming to Cardwell Garden Centre to join youngsters for a series of special festive breakfasts.
READ MORE
Galoshans Festival 2024 Returns for Spooktacular 10th Anniversary
Get ready for ghoulish grins and festive fun - Inverclyde’s beloved Galoshans Festival returns for its 10th anniversary!
READ MORE
Renfrewshire Council launches survey to get residents views on events programme
Renfrewshire Council has launched a survey to find out what residents think of its events programme as it approaches the end of its current three-year plan.
READ MORE
Social Bite encourages Scotland to hop, skip or jump to help end homelessness
Participants can choose any novel way of racking up 100 miles this September to help raise crucial funds for those who need it most in the UK.
READ MORE
Entertainers launch brand new Michael Jackson tribute show, Man in the Mirror
Today, on what would have been Michael Jackson's 66th Birthday, entertainers launch their brand-new show; Man in the Mirror – A Tribute to Michael Jackson.
READ MORE
Annual Salvesen Lecture at University of Edinburgh will address ADHD in Women and Girls
Distinguished Senior Consultant Physician and psychiatrist Lotta Borg Skoglund will present groundbreaking research which challenges outdated views on female ADHD.
READ MORE
Montpeliers founders among winners at the 2024 Scottish Bar and Pub awards!
The winners of the 2024 Scottish Bar and Pub Awards have been revealed!
READ MORE
Paisley Arts Centre reopens after multi million pound refurbishment
Paisley Arts Centre is proud to announce its grand reopening following a stunning multimillion-pound refurbishment that has transformed the venue into a premier cultural hub in the heart of Paisley.
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Food and Drink Festival is back this September
With Chef Demos, Cocktail & Mocktail Masterclasses and Wild Food Walks!
READ MORE
Celebrate National Cinema Day at Vue venues across Scotland
Film fans can get their big screen fix at Vue for just £4 this Saturday (31 August) as part of National Cinema Day!
READ MORE
Nominees announced for Scots Language Awards 2024
The nominees have been unveiled for the Scots Language Awards 2024, with 50 outstanding organisations and individuals in the running for 12 awards at the annual ceremony next month.
READ MORE
Dynamic double bill from Scottish Dance Theatre set to tour the UK this Autumn
Fresh from a hit run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where it earned critical and audience acclaim, Scottish Dance Theatre is taking its groundbreaking double-bill The Flock & Moving Cloud on tour.
READ MORE
The Village celebrates two years with special event for new parents with care experience in Paisley
The Why Not? Trust is delighted to announce a special event to celebrate the second anniversary of The Village, taking place in Paisley this week.
READ MORE
Prepare your garden for spring with Dobbies
As the cooler days of Autumn approach, Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting families and gardening enthusiasts to gear up for a colourful spring with its free monthly Grow How sessions this September.
READ MORE
Phase Eight opens second Glasgow store
Phase Eight is delighted to announce the opening of its latest store in Braehead Shopping Centre.
READ MORE
Spooktacular Glasgow returns for a 4th year at Silverburn!
The kids are back in school and the dark nights are creeping in so it can only mean one thing... Hallowe'en is on the horizon and Spooktacular is back!
READ MORE
Local views wanted for the development of Erskine Town Centre
Local residents in Erskine are being encouraged to take part in a consultation which sets out potential improvements to the town centre and riverfront.
READ MORE
Glasgow kickstarts countdown to biggest AJ Bell Great Scottish Run yet
There's just over 6 weeks to go until this year's AJ Bell Great Scottish Run and it's expected to be a sell out!
READ MORE
Film & Comic Con returns to Braehead this weekend!
Braehead Shopping Centre is thrilled to announce the return of Film & Comic Con this weekend, hosted in Braehead Arena.
READ MORE
Vue venues in Scotland celebrate 85 years of Batman with the return of eight classic films
The Caped Crusader turned 85 this year and to celebrate Vue venues across Scotland are showcasing some of the comic book hero’s most loved films.
READ MORE
Garden Centre unveils magical experiences for families across the UK
Dobbies Garden Centres is readying itself for Santa's arrival and counting down the days to spread festive joy this Christmas, as it unveils a magical array of fun, great value events!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Go Radio | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West - Listen on DAB, Online or on your Smart Speaker, just say "Launch Go Radio"
