Innovative scheme introduced to help protect Ben Nevis.

A new registration system has been introduced to help event organisers and land managers to better protect Britain’s highest and most iconic mountain.

The registration system is now in place for the vast number of charity events that are organised on The Ben, as Scotland's national mountain is affectionately known. The aim is to make it easier for event managers to gain the necessary permissions and access the mountain responsibly, while also aiding the land managers to better manage the impacts of these events on the mountain. 

The project has involved local landowners, businesses and interest groups, along with NatureScot and event organisers. It has created a guide for event organisers, that makes the process as simple as possible. The overall objectives are to enable fair and sustainable usage of Ben Nevis, to protect the mountain by ensuring events are organised and run responsibly, to help fund the maintenance of the mountain and to publish a live calendar of events. The calendar will help avoid multiple events occurring simultaneously, which crowds the path and blocks the Glen with overflowing car parks.

The project is being run by the Nevis Landscape Partnership (NLP), who work with the John Muir Trust and Jahama Highland Estate, the primary landowners of Ben Nevis, along with NatureScot, local volunteering charities and hill walking groups. It offers a single point of contact and registration system for event organisers who previously needed to contact multiple landowners to gain the necessary permissions. The NLP have a team of seasonal rangers who work in the Nevis management area, maintaining paths, removing litter and helping visitors to have the most rewarding experience possible in visiting some of Britain’s most dramatic scenery.

Ben Nevis is protected for its rocks and geological features, its wide range of habitats including high altitude, low nutrient mountain habitats, along with some of the rarest flora and fauna in the UK. These features are sensitive to disturbance and damage and so consent is required from NatureScot for activities and events that take place off the established paths. 

The registration system is based on the guidance for event organisers contained in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC), and the more detailed Guidance on Outdoor Events in Scotland produced by the National Access Forum, that helps event organisers and land managers to plan and manage events in a sustainable manner.

This innovative project looks at access issues in a concentrated location, with Strava recently listing the Ben Nevis Mountain Path as the busiest hike in Britain. By supporting the Nevis Fund, which focuses on conserving and improving the area, event organisers can act responsibly and care for the resource they are using. This Fund aims to conserve and improve the natural environment of Nevis Management Area (NMA) by maintaining and improving the path network, enhancing the natural & cultural heritage of the area, supporting community engagement, education & volunteering and promoting a leave no trace philosophy. 

Mike Pescod, Mountain guide and Chair of the NLP has recently been in the press talking about the issue of human waste being left on Ben Nevis. “The Ben receives upwards of 150,000 visitors a year. The cumulative effect of these visitors is massive on the mountain and the task of maintaining it is growing. This scheme will make sure that event organisers are setting a good example, making it easier for us to ensure that people are accessing The Ben responsibly and sustainably”

Caroline Fyfe of NatureScot’s Recreation & Paths team  “This project promotes respecting the interests of other people, caring for the environment and taking responsibility for one’s actions, the three key principles of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. The popularity of Ben Nevis makes it especially important that all users take access responsibly, sustainably and enjoyably.”

Jonathan Hart of Jahama Highland Estate, the owners of the lower slopes of Ben Nevis said “this is an important project in enabling the land managers to better identify and manage issues and work with event organisers in promoting responsible and sustainable access onto Scotland’s most beloved mountain.   It ensures that those accessing, recreating and enjoying  the mountain are involved in looking after it and taking access responsibly”

Gemma Mackie of Across The Divide, the first event organiser to use the new scheme said “ The registration process has been really useful in organising our upcoming event”.

Andy Baker, Head of UK Events at Charity Challenge, an organiser of events around the globe said “Ben Nevis is one of Britain’s most iconic locations and one of our most popular challenge locations. This scheme will give us a single point of contact that will make it easier to gain permissions and access the mountain responsibly, as we always aim to do”

Tim Stobart, Event Liaison Officer at the Nevis Landscape Partnership. “The response from Event Organisers has been great. They really care for Ben Nevis and are happy that we are making it easier for them get the necessary permissions and put something back into the mountain.”