The Wilderness Foundation UK

The Wilderness Foundation is a socio environmental charity founded in 1976 by the international conservationist Dr Ian Player DMS, renowned for saving the white rhino, and the late Sir Laurens van der Post, writer, explorer and philosopher. We are dedicated to saving the last of the world's wild places by demonstrating their value to people and biodiversity on the planet. We increase understanding of the value of wilderness through offering direct experiences of wild places. This is achieved through a trails programme in places including Scotland, Wales and South Africa, and through social benefit projects that demonstrate how wilderness offers a vital key to the education and health of society and individuals. Understanding wilderness and wild lands as a positive force for social and environmental sustainability is a key mission and our work has been pioneering. Vulnerable youth, as well as political and community decision makers, have experienced the direct irreplaceable qualities of wilderness and the rediscovery of identity, perspective and leadership skills it stimulates. The Wilderness Foundation UK's work is concentrated on three areas: 1. Education and Environmental Leadership Development 2. Health and Wellbeing for the individual and Society linked to connection to nature and wilderness immersion 3. Wilderness Action