Why I’m Excited About the New John Muir Award Coming in 2025

Find out more about the John Muir Trust

If there’s one thing that gets me excited, it’s seeing people experience nature in a way that lifts them, even changes them. That’s why I’ve always admired the work of the John Muir Trust.

They’re dedicated to protecting wild spaces across the UK, making sure that our natural world is there not only to be preserved but also to be actively experienced, appreciated, and cared for by people of all ages.

One of the most inspiring parts of their work has been the John Muir Award. This award scheme gives people a way to get outside and genuinely connect with nature, while also giving back to it.

It’s open to all ages and all kinds of groups—schools, workplaces, community groups, or individuals—and follows a simple, meaningful structure: Discover a wild place, Explore it, Conserve it, and finally, Share what you've experienced. These four steps aren’t just nice ideas; they’re the heart of building a lasting, mindful connection with nature.

Here’s where it gets really exciting: the John Muir Trust is refreshing and expanding the Award scheme, with a new version coming out in March 2025!

They’re working on ways to make the Award even more relevant and impactful, which is perfect timing for me. With this update, I’m hopeful that I can bring the Award into my own wellbeing in nature programs next year. It feels like an ideal match for what I’m already doing—helping people unwind, find their place in nature, and leave with a deeper sense of wellbeing.

What makes this so meaningful is that a structured program like the John Muir Award could offer young adults, employees, or anyone in between a chance to step back from the hustle and bustle and really reconnect with the outdoors. For schools or employers, it’s a chance to give students or staff a real break and maybe even a fresh perspective. I’d love to see young people, especially, having access to this, as it can be a hands-on, eye-opening way to learn about conservation, mindfulness, and just appreciating the world around them.

And for workplace teams, it could be such a unique opportunity for growth outside of the office walls, something that’s proven to help relieve stress and encourage well-rounded wellness.

Now, here’s where you come in. I’d love to know if this is something that interests you. If you’re a teacher, a youth leader, an employer, or even someone who just loves the idea of bringing nature into people’s lives, would you want to offer the John Muir Award to your group? Are you looking for something like this?

Drop a comment below or get in touch directly—I’d love to chat about what this award could bring to your group and brainstorm how we could make it work!