Each year a group of enthusiastic John Muir Trust (JMT) Volunteers has spent one or two weeks cleaning beaches and helping with path and other maintenance work. North Harris has several spectacular beaches on the west coast but their exposure to westerly gales had led to an accumulation of rubbish over many years, with plastic debris blown tens of meters above the high tide mark in places. Since their first visit in 2004 the JMT volunteers have cleaned beaches at Traigh Mheilein, Bagh Theilisnis, Huisinis, and Crabhadail. These beaches had never been cleaned before and huge amounts rubbish originating from places all round the Atlantic were collected, amounting to several skip loads. Rubbish was collected in piles above the high tide mark before being removed by landing craft. After the huge amount of effort that has gone to getting the beaches clear of rubbish we plan to make regular collections to keep our beaches tidy.

In addition to beach cleans, JMT work parties, the Harris Stalking Club and other volunteers from the community have helped with path maintenance, tree planting, and deer counts.
In 2007 a group of students on a cycling expedition in the Outer Hebrides as part of their Masters in Outdoor Education course at Edinburgh University did 2 days work improving ditches on the Maraig-Urgha footpath.

Interested in becoming a volunteer?

If you are keen to get involved please get in touch. We would like to expand our volunteer base and increase community involvement in management of the estate.
Leading a group to the islands for a trip and would like to put something back in to the local community? We can arrange a fulfilling and fun experience for all.
Ranger Contact: robin@north-harris.org