Nature Needs Heroes: National Park Launches Campaign to Inspire Action for Nature and Wellbeing

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority has launched an inspiring new campaign – Nature Connections – aimed at encouraging people from all walks of life to form deeper, more personal connections with nature. Launched at a time when the effects of the global nature and climate crises are being felt even within the National Park, this campaign comes at a pivotal moment.

The campaign acknowledges that while many people understand the importance of nature, they often feel overwhelmed and disconnected by the scale of the problem, and from what they can do to help. Nature Connections provides a hopeful and accessible path forward – showing that by adopting respectful behaviour and spending meaningful moments in nature, we not only boost our wellbeing, but also contribute to its restoration and protect it for future generations.

The campaign is centred around the new Nature Hub – a free online resource on the National Park Authority website which is packed with practical guides, local events, volunteering opportunities and inspirational stories. From family-friendly outdoor activities and Ranger-led walks, to hands-on conservation and tips for simple everyday actions, the Nature Hub empowers everyone to take part. Whether you have five minutes or five hours, every connection with nature counts.

At the heart of Nature Connections is the powerful ‘Nature Needs Heroes‘ strand, which celebrates individuals who are already making a meaningful difference in and around the National Park.

Simon Jones, Director of Environment and Visitor Services at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority, said:

“Our Nature Connections campaign recognises that although the global climate and nature crises can feel overwhelming, meaningful impact can be achieved through individual experiences and personal relationships with nature. The campaign highlights how simple, everyday interactions with nature can enhance our wellbeing while also contributing to environmental restoration. Put simply, nature protects us if we protect nature.

“Central to this campaign is our ‘Nature Needs Heroes’ initiative, celebrating extraordinary individuals whose passion and dedication demonstrate the powerful impact of local, personal action. Their inspiring stories remind us that safeguarding our environment isn’t just about broad policies, strategies, or targets – it’s also about people taking meaningful action locally.

“Each of us can positively influence both our wellbeing and the natural world through everyday actions in nature, and we encourage everyone to find inspiration in these stories and take their own steps towards forging their own nature connections across the National Park.”

The campaign launches by recognising three remarkable Nature Heroes

• Robert Marshall (Gourock), a dedicated National Park volunteer who has spent over seven years maintaining the West Highland Way, one of Scotland’s most iconic walking routes. With his 100th crossing of the trail approaching, Robert’s passion for the outdoors and tireless environmental stewardship exemplify the spirit of the campaign.
• Sarah Heward (Tyndrum), The Real Food Café owner and founder of the ‘Pick ‘n’ Chips’ litter-picking initiative, which has united over 446 volunteers to remove more than eight tonnes of waste from the Park since 2021. Her work highlights how community action and small steps can lead to big environmental change.
• Fiona Boath (Killin), a volunteer Health Walk Leader with Loch Lomond & The Trossachs Countryside Trust’s ‘Walk in the Park’ programme, who uses her love of nature and knowledge of the local area to support mental health and wellbeing in her community. Fiona’s leadership in planting memorial trees shows how nature can bring comfort and connection even during life’s most difficult moments.

Robert Marshall, said: “Nature is freedom, beauty, fresh air, and life. I’m continually inspired by the stunning landscapes around us, particularly around Loch Lomond, and I feel privileged to help protect this incredible environment for future generations.”

Sarah Heward, said: “I believe that small actions can lead to significant change. My journey started from a personal frustration with litter, but it’s grown into a community-driven effort showing how collective action can genuinely transform our surroundings.”

Fiona Boath, said: “Connecting people with nature has shown me the powerful role our environment plays in health and wellbeing. Nature not only inspires and heals but brings people together, even in difficult times, reminding us how deeply we all belong to this landscape.”

The search for other Heroes is still very much on. The National Park Authority is calling on the public to nominate others who deserve to be recognised as Nature’s Heroes. Whether through conservation work, community volunteering, sustainable tourism, or personal transformation through nature, the campaign wants to showcase diverse voices and stories.

Selected Heroes will be featured throughout the year across National Park Authority digital platforms and social media, printed materials, visitor centre displays, as well as a potential touring photographic exhibition to mark the conclusion of the campaign.

Get Involved: How You Can Connect with Nature and be a Nature Hero

• Nominate yourself or someone you admire here.
• Explore free guides, event listings, and ways to take action on the Nature Hub
• Join local walks, conservation projects, or start your own community initiative
• Share your nature story, connections and images using @lomondtrossachs  #NatureNeedsHeroes