The John Muir Award

Encouraging everyone to connect with, enjoy and care for wild places in a spirit of fun, adventure and exploration.

What is the John Muir Award?

It is an environmental award scheme for people of all backgrounds – groups, families and individuals. It’s non-competitive, inclusive and accessible.

All the information about how to get involved, including key documents and case studies can be found on the John Muir Award website

Achieving a John Muir Award in the South Downs

We are working with the John Muir Trust as local facilitators for the Award, helping anyone who wants to link their Award with the South Downs National Park.

We offer free:

Local training events to understand more about the Award, next date(s) to be confirmed
Ideas to link the South Downs National Park into your Award activity – download our guide
National Park-branded certificates for any Award that links with the South Downs National Park (please make sure to use the above guide and record this on your certificate request form)

What does the John Muir Award involve?

Four Challenges are at the heart of each John Muir Award. Participants should show enthusiasm and commitment, and have an awareness about John Muir.

To achieve an Award each participant must:

Discover a wild place
Explore its wildness
Conserve – take personal responsibility
Share experiences

How long does it take to complete a John Muir Award?

There are 3 levels of the Award, encouraging a progressive involvement.

The same 4 challenges are repeated for each level, with increased involvement in time, activity and ownership.

Award activity can be spread over any number of sessions in order to meet the minimum requirements.

Discovery Award (introductory level), minimum 4 days
Explorer Award (intermediate level), minimum 8 days
Conserver Award (advanced level), minimum 20 days over 6 months

Please get in touch with us, Learning@southdowns.gov.uk, for more information.