We are the official charity of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, and supported by our amazing volunteers deliver our work under two main themes Nature Connections and Connected Lives.
Our vision is for our landscapes and communities to be connected and thriving and we have achieved a considerable amount through our collaboration on landscape scale nature restoration projects.
Our vision is for our landcapes and communities to be connected and thriving like 'Walk in the Park' our health walk programme which through mobility connects participants with each other, and their local environment!
We empower individuals to get outside more, be more physically active, to appreciate the nature on their doorstep and to experience the positive benefits, feelings and emotions that connecting with nature can bring.
The landscape of the National Park is the result of a long relationship between people and nature. Volunteers can become directly involved in a variety of opportunities with us such as seed collecting, tree transplanting, butterfly, lichen and bryophyte surveying and monitoring.
Giving back to nature. We are grateful for the continued support of our dedicated volunteers who donate their time towards our practical conservation work.
People and nature are at the heart of what we do. We stand and work alongside local communities, community interest groups, heritage groups, schools and land managers to create more opportunities for people to connect with nature.
We offer life-long learning opportunities and activities to ensure our actions continue to enhance the National Parks biodiversity and bring benefits to its local communities.
Welcome to The Countryside Trust!
News Announcements
Community Conversation
Join us on 22 September at the Three Villages Hall, Arrochar to meet our leadership team and share your thoughts on Walk in the Park, Strength & Balance, and support for local communities. Find out more and get involved here.
Click HERE for all our other latest news, updates & announcements – we’ve always got something exciting to share!
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#RuralInclusion | Rural Re'Generation' 💫
From a purpose-built community facility established in 1992, the Killin Sports and Recreation Hub has grown into a vibrant community asset.
Now home to activities for young people, a weights gym, sensory garden and Stirling's first pump track, the hub continues to bring people together through participation, inclusion and community collaboration 🤸
Read more 👇
https://sportfirst.sportscotland.org.uk/articles/rural-regeneration-killin-sports-and-recreation-hub
Killin Sports & Recreation Hub | Trustinthepark | Active Stirling
From a purpose-built community facility established in 1992, the Killin Sports and Recreation Hub has grown into a vibrant community asset.
Now home to activities for young people, a weights gym, sensory garden and Stirling's first pump track, the hub continues to bring people together through participation, inclusion and community collaboration 🤸
Read more 👇
https://sportfirst.sportscotland.org.uk/articles/rural-regeneration-killin-sports-and-recreation-hub
Killin Sports & Recreation Hub | Trustinthepark | Active Stirling
🍄🌿 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘆𝗺𝗯𝗶𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗕𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗕𝗶𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗹𝘆 𝗔𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗵𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺𝘀
One of the things we love most about nature is discovering the incredible relationships that exist all around us.
As we walk through the woods at this time of year, few mushrooms are as recognisable as the Fly Agaric, with its bright scarlet cap and place in fairy tales and folklore. Yet its real story lies underground, where fine fungal threads form a remarkable partnership with birch tree roots. This month's In Step with Nature explores this fascinating example of symbiosis, reminding us that woodlands are not just collections of trees, but interconnected living systems hidden beneath our feet.
🌿 What fascinating fungi have you discovered this autumn? Share your sightings in the comments below!
🙏 In Step with Nature is funded with thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund
One of the things we love most about nature is discovering the incredible relationships that exist all around us.
As we walk through the woods at this time of year, few mushrooms are as recognisable as the Fly Agaric, with its bright scarlet cap and place in fairy tales and folklore. Yet its real story lies underground, where fine fungal threads form a remarkable partnership with birch tree roots. This month's In Step with Nature explores this fascinating example of symbiosis, reminding us that woodlands are not just collections of trees, but interconnected living systems hidden beneath our feet.
🌿 What fascinating fungi have you discovered this autumn? Share your sightings in the comments below!
🙏 In Step with Nature is funded with thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund
𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵 & 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 ⭐
We’re part of the Co-op UK Local Community Fund, seeking funding to continue Callander Strength and Balance, our weekly group sessions, to support people's mobility and physical, mental and social wellbeing.
Co-op members* can support us for free by choosing us as your cause:
🌐 Online - https://membership.coop.co.uk/causes/97617
📱 On the Co-op App
☎️ or by contacting Co-op Membership enquiries on 0800 023 4708
Not a Co-op member yet? 👉 Join today at https://www.coop.co.uk/membership
The total amount we will receive depends on how many members have chosen our cause before October 2026.
* check your Co-op Member Account to find your local causes. You should be able to choose Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Countryside Trust if you live within approximately 15 miles of Callander, Doune or Killin Co-ops.
📷@Trustinthepark
We’re part of the Co-op UK Local Community Fund, seeking funding to continue Callander Strength and Balance, our weekly group sessions, to support people's mobility and physical, mental and social wellbeing.
Co-op members* can support us for free by choosing us as your cause:
🌐 Online - https://membership.coop.co.uk/causes/97617
📱 On the Co-op App
☎️ or by contacting Co-op Membership enquiries on 0800 023 4708
Not a Co-op member yet? 👉 Join today at https://www.coop.co.uk/membership
The total amount we will receive depends on how many members have chosen our cause before October 2026.
* check your Co-op Member Account to find your local causes. You should be able to choose Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Countryside Trust if you live within approximately 15 miles of Callander, Doune or Killin Co-ops.
📷@Trustinthepark
🌿 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱! 🌿🏆
We're delighted to share that Wild Strathfillan has been shortlisted for the RSPB Nature of Scotland Awards 2026 in the Nature & Climate Action category!
This recognition belongs to the people and communities at the heart of Wild Strathfillan. From volunteers giving their time on the ground to land managers contributing countless hours, this achievement would not have been possible without your dedication, passion and commitment.
Wild Strathfillan brings together communities, land managers, organisations and volunteers to deliver nature recovery while supporting thriving rural communities. It is helping to restore and reconnect habitats, and creates opportunities for people.
💚 Thank you to everyone who has helped shape this journey so far. This shortlisting is yours.
🏆 The awards ceremony takes place on 19 November, but in the meantime, we'd love you to join us in celebrating what can be achieved through a shared vision for nature and people.
🔗 Discover the Wild Strathfillan story:
https://trustinthepark.org/wildstrathfillan/
🔗 Meet all the amazing finalists https://www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happening/nature-of-scotland-awards
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Strathfillan Community Development Trust KAT - Killin & Ardeonaig Community Development Trust NatureScot The National Lottery Heritage Fund
We're delighted to share that Wild Strathfillan has been shortlisted for the RSPB Nature of Scotland Awards 2026 in the Nature & Climate Action category!
This recognition belongs to the people and communities at the heart of Wild Strathfillan. From volunteers giving their time on the ground to land managers contributing countless hours, this achievement would not have been possible without your dedication, passion and commitment.
Wild Strathfillan brings together communities, land managers, organisations and volunteers to deliver nature recovery while supporting thriving rural communities. It is helping to restore and reconnect habitats, and creates opportunities for people.
💚 Thank you to everyone who has helped shape this journey so far. This shortlisting is yours.
🏆 The awards ceremony takes place on 19 November, but in the meantime, we'd love you to join us in celebrating what can be achieved through a shared vision for nature and people.
🔗 Discover the Wild Strathfillan story:
https://trustinthepark.org/wildstrathfillan/
🔗 Meet all the amazing finalists https://www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happening/nature-of-scotland-awards
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Strathfillan Community Development Trust KAT - Killin & Ardeonaig Community Development Trust NatureScot The National Lottery Heritage Fund
🍁 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗸 & 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗺 𝗨𝗽! 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗽 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗸𝘀, 𝗛𝗼𝘁 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲: 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗺𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸
As the seasons begin to shift, autumn is making its presence felt in subtle ways across the National Park. The leaves are slowly starting to change colour, and the recent rain showers are a reminder that it's time to dig out the waterproofs once again.
It's also the perfect time of year to join and enjoy one of our volunteer led health walks in the fresh autumn air, and warm up afterwards with a mug of hot chocolate and perhaps even a slice of cake at one of the many welcoming cafés and eateries throughout the area.
✨ Here are the walking routes we've got coming up next week departing 10:20am:
21 Sep – 𝗔𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝘆𝗹𝗲, Riverside Car Park → Doon Hill (DF)
22 Sep – 𝗔𝗿𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿, 3 Villages Hall → Ardgarten Forest🚕 (DF)
22 Sep - 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿, Ancaster Square → Bridgend & Meadows (DF)
23 Sep – 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗵, The Square → Lomond Shores (DF)
23 Sep – 𝗞𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻*, The Pavillion → Tyndrum🚕 (DF)
24 Sep – 𝗗𝗿𝘆𝗺𝗲𝗻, The Square → Red Bridge🚕 (DF)
𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲?
Our routes are suitable for all abilities and dementia friendly where you see our DF sign. 🚕 Car share ☕Refreshments afterwards. 🎂 Anniversary Walk.
e: [email protected]
📷 Trustinthepark
🙏🏻 With thanks to funding from The National Lottery Community Fund (Awards for All), Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, Walking Scotland ,* The National Lottery Heritage Fund
As the seasons begin to shift, autumn is making its presence felt in subtle ways across the National Park. The leaves are slowly starting to change colour, and the recent rain showers are a reminder that it's time to dig out the waterproofs once again.
It's also the perfect time of year to join and enjoy one of our volunteer led health walks in the fresh autumn air, and warm up afterwards with a mug of hot chocolate and perhaps even a slice of cake at one of the many welcoming cafés and eateries throughout the area.
✨ Here are the walking routes we've got coming up next week departing 10:20am:
21 Sep – 𝗔𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝘆𝗹𝗲, Riverside Car Park → Doon Hill (DF)
22 Sep – 𝗔𝗿𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿, 3 Villages Hall → Ardgarten Forest🚕 (DF)
22 Sep - 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿, Ancaster Square → Bridgend & Meadows (DF)
23 Sep – 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗵, The Square → Lomond Shores (DF)
23 Sep – 𝗞𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻*, The Pavillion → Tyndrum🚕 (DF)
24 Sep – 𝗗𝗿𝘆𝗺𝗲𝗻, The Square → Red Bridge🚕 (DF)
𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲?
Our routes are suitable for all abilities and dementia friendly where you see our DF sign. 🚕 Car share ☕Refreshments afterwards. 🎂 Anniversary Walk.
e: [email protected]
📷 Trustinthepark
🙏🏻 With thanks to funding from The National Lottery Community Fund (Awards for All), Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, Walking Scotland ,* The National Lottery Heritage Fund
🌱🎶 𝗜𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝗮𝗺𝘀𝗵𝘆𝗮, 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿: "We wanna say a big thank you to everyone who took part in our Musical Launch for Lomond Plant Nursery."
The wonderfully serene Curlew Makes Music Gill Higgins brought our nursery plants to life through synthesisers and duetted with the trees before we collected some Rowan berries from RSPB Loch Lomond - who are fermenting in the nursery (and kinda pretending to have been in a bird’s belly).
While folk engaged in sonorous seed collecting, we had some renegade youth artists in the polytunnel who made beautiful embroidery of net-leaved willow’s leaves & catkins, but also drew us karate trees of the future.
Big up Wizgonies, Balloch catering! Them gluten free vegan chocolate brownies were elite and kept us going when the rain visited us.
If you want to become involved with our nursery shenanigans with decent snacking opportunities and/or roam the national park mapping out seed to be collected, Get in touch with our vivacious nursery volunteer coordinator with an email: [email protected]
🙏 With thanks to support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
📷 Philip Houston and Annie@trustinthepark
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
The wonderfully serene Curlew Makes Music Gill Higgins brought our nursery plants to life through synthesisers and duetted with the trees before we collected some Rowan berries from RSPB Loch Lomond - who are fermenting in the nursery (and kinda pretending to have been in a bird’s belly).
While folk engaged in sonorous seed collecting, we had some renegade youth artists in the polytunnel who made beautiful embroidery of net-leaved willow’s leaves & catkins, but also drew us karate trees of the future.
Big up Wizgonies, Balloch catering! Them gluten free vegan chocolate brownies were elite and kept us going when the rain visited us.
If you want to become involved with our nursery shenanigans with decent snacking opportunities and/or roam the national park mapping out seed to be collected, Get in touch with our vivacious nursery volunteer coordinator with an email: [email protected]
🙏 With thanks to support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
📷 Philip Houston and Annie@trustinthepark
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
310
Participants who regularly benefit from our weekly health walks.
90
Moth species recorded through surveys.
5,334
Volunteer hours donated across all our projects.
22
Sites managed for invasive none-native species.
6,500
Native trees planted across Wild Strathfillan projects.
7
Landholdings practical restoration interventions completed.
498
Participants who have benefitted from our weekly
health walk and Strength & Balance activities.
29,532
Native tree seeds planted by volunteers across 2 plant nurseries.
321
Health and wellbeing walks
we delivered last year.
91%
Strength and Balance participants who experienced improved physical wellbeing.
3,941
Hours donated by our health walk and Strength & Balance volunteers.
35
Organisations who have
donated support
across all of our projects.