Sustainability at Abacus Mountain Guides
Here at Abacus Mountain Guides we are fortunate enough to spend the vast majority of our time outside in the natural environment. We witness first hand the positive impact that being in the great outdoors can have. Being outside in nature has numerous benefits to both our physical and mental health, and we want as many people as possible to be able to experience this.
Unfortunately, we also witness the effects of climate change while we are out in the mountains: increased temperatures, increased rainfall, reduced snow cover, retreating glaciers, more extreme weather.
Something needs to be done and it is time to take responsibility.
We all need to take responsibility to look after our planet, and make sure these spectacular natural environments survive for future generations to enjoy. So what are we at Abacus Mountain Guides doing to protect the planet and reduce our impact on the environment?
Unfortunately, we also witness the effects of climate change while we are out in the mountains: increased temperatures, increased rainfall, reduced snow cover, retreating glaciers, more extreme weather.
Something needs to be done and it is time to take responsibility.
We all need to take responsibility to look after our planet, and make sure these spectacular natural environments survive for future generations to enjoy. So what are we at Abacus Mountain Guides doing to protect the planet and reduce our impact on the environment?
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Fundraising EventsEvery year we organise a fundraising event called Nevis at Night. The money raised at this event goes towards the Nevis Fund. The fund is a one stop shop for all donations for the conservation and improvement of the natural and cultural heritage of the Nevis Management Area for the local community and visitors to the area to enjoy.
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Planting TreesWe have pledged to plant the same number of trees every year as the age of Abacus Mountain Guides, which was established in 2000.
In 2020 we planted 20 Scots Pine trees in Glen Nevis as part of a project by the Nevis Landscape Partnership to help re-establish the Caledonian Pine Forest across Scotland. |
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Renewable EnergyIn 2021 our premises will be converted to be powered by renewable energy.
The oil heating will be removed and replaced with an air source heat pump. This takes heat from the outside air and uses electricity to boost it to a higher temperature. The electricity will come from 100% renewable energy. |
Public TransportWith good links from all the major cities, we encourage our customers to use public transport to reach Fort William wherever possible.
Our guides can usually collect people from their accommodation, thereby reducing the number of vehicles on the roads and also minimising the impacts on any car parks that are used. |
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Collecting LitterWhenever our guides are out they carry a bag with them to collect any litter they come across. This also helps to educate our customers.
One common misconception is that it's OK to discard fruit peel and cores on the mountains and they'll rot away. It does in fact take years for these items to decompose in the cold temperatures. |
Carbon LiteracyCarbon Literacy is relevant climate change learning that catalyses action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Carbon Literacy Project works to provide access to this learning to everyone who lives, works and studies and is expanding rapidly across the UK and beyond.
Mike Pescod has met all the requirements of the Carbon Literacy Standard and is regarded as carbon literate. |
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