The John Muir Trust, the UK’s charity for wild places, is today (Tuesday April 21) inviting people to reconnect with wildness by spending 21 minutes in a ‘wild’ place – somewhere nature is allowed to lead the way. From mountains and coastlines to local parks and back gardens, people are encouraged to take a moment to notice what’s around them.
Marking John Muir Day, the annual celebration of the Scots-born pioneer of the modern conservation movement, the Trust is calling on people of all ages to step into nature and experience the benefits of connecting with the wildness around us.
John Muir, who was born in Scotland in 1838 and moved to North America aged 11, where he lived until his death in 1914, believed that time spent in nature was essential not only for the health of the environment, but for a person’s wellbeing.
This belief was a driving motivation in his life’s work, which ultimately inspired the creation of several of America’s National Parks, including the renowned Yosemite Valley in California.
Founded in 1983, the John Muir Trust cares for some of the country’s most iconic wild places, including Ben Nevis, Schiehallion and Sandwood Bay and areas across Skye, Knoydart and Assynt.
On 21 April, participants are encouraged to find a wild place – somewhere nature is allowed to lead the way – whether that’s a mountain, forest, coastline, local park, or even a garden, and spend 21 minutes there. This time can be spent walking, sitting, observing, or exploring.
Wendy Grindle, Director of Communications and Engagement, at the John Muir Trust, commented:
“Taking just 21 minutes to observe wildness can help us reset, slow down and feel part of something bigger, deepening our understanding and reminding us why these landscapes matter.
“At the John Muir Trust, we protect, restore and stand up for wild places – landscapes where nature comes first.
“This John Muir Day, we’re inviting people to take a simple first step: spend 21 minutes in a wild place, or observe wildness outdoors near you. It’s an opportunity to step outside, wherever you are, and notice the qualities that make a place feel wild – and why they matter. That might be the absence of noise, the shape of the land, or the signs of natural processes at work.
“We see first-hand that when people experience wild places, they develop a deeper appreciation of what can happen when nature is given the space to recover and thrive. That understanding is what leads to care – and to action.
“Our wild landscapes are under threat. John Muir Day is a chance for everyone to take that first step to protect wild places for future generations. Please join us to help give wild places a lasting future.”
The day is also designed to support the work of the John Muir Trust with a special membership offer in place that day for just £21 (compared to £46 for Individual membership and £60 for Joint/Family).
Record-breaking adventurer and author Alex Staniforth is backing the initiative. Together with Chris Spray, Alex founded Mind Over Mountains, a charity which promotes professional mental health support in a natural setting.
“Through our work in Mind Over Mountains, we see first-hand how time spent in wild places can transform people’s mental health. They provide a chance to connect with others, reduce stress and build confidence. The impact is wide-reaching and the evidence clear, even a short time outdoors can make a difference.
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“That’s why John Muir Day matters. Taking just 21 minutes in a wild place might seem small, but it’s enough to reset your mind, light the spark of curiosity and deepen your relationship with the world around you.
“And by taking part in the 21-minute challenge, people can support the work of the John Muir Trust and protect, restore and stand up for wild places across the UK.”
For more information, please visit: John Muir Day 2026, or to become a member today, please visit John Muir Day Membership form.
