Wild land is one of the UK's most important assets, for both its natural resources and by contributing to tourism, the economy and to individuals' well-being. But it is being lost at an alarming rate as a result of inappropriate developments. Less than 50% of wild land in Scotland has any legal protection in the form of landscape designation. In 2002, 41% of Scotland was visually unaffected by built development. By the end of 2009, only 28% was unaffected (from Scottish Natural Heritage).

The John Muir Trust’s Wild Land Protection project aims to secure better statutory protection for wild land areas throughout the UK and a new statutory designation to protect wild land in Scotland. Integral to this is the aim of promoting awareness, understanding, and responsibility for, and connections with, wild places. The project will ensure that key decision-makers - including politicians, landowners, communities - are actively protecting wild land in the UK.