The appeal, which is generously supported by Headline Sponsors Cotswold Outdoor and Snow+Rock, is on track for its £1 million target with eight months still to go. The money will go  into the repair and restoration of some of Britain’s most popular – and heavily eroded – footpaths on the likes of Scafell Pike, Cader Idris, the Yorkshire Three Peaks, Beinn a’ Ghlo and the South Downs Way, supporting sustainable walking routes for future generations to enjoy.

As well as receiving enthusiastic support and donations from hundreds of outdoor enthusiasts, one project within the appeal has recently been boosted by a £40,000 pledge of support from the Oglesby Charitable Trust, which supports projects which have a positive social and environmental impact in the North West of England.

Headline Sponsors Cotswold Outdoor and Snow+Rock have been drumming up support by hosting collection boxes and publicity material in 110 stores and sites across Britain.

The appeal has also benefitted recently from the £9,000 proceeds of the Trail magazine gear sale at Keswick Mountain Festival and support from a variety of outdoor brands and businesses including Vango, Fjallraven, Hanwag, Trekkit and The Outdoor Guide, which have been brought together on the Mend Our Mountains: Make One Million appeal website today.

The Mend Our Mountains cause has also attracted support from some unexpected but very welcome places. Visitors to the Hampton Court Flower show last week, for example, were met with a Mend Our Mountains-themed garden endorsed by Julia Bradbury and designed by TV celebrity David Domoney. The appeal received a sizeable donation from Everest Windows, who sponsored the garden.

Groundswell

The profile of Mend Our Mountains: Make One Million has shot up since the success of the ’Great Ridge Light Night’ back in May. Run in partnership with the Camping and Caravanning Club and hosting ‘Wainright Walks’ and Countryfile presenter Julia Bradbury, it saw more than 600 volunteers illuminate one of Britain’s most iconic landscapes, raising awareness and cash at the same time.

A major crowdfunding push in the autumn will help the appeal to continue to climb towards its target while maintaining public engagement, as work continues behind the scenes to secure further large-scale support from businesses, individuals and charities.

At the same time, many supporters of the campaign are taking part in fundraising challenges around the country, such as BMC member Richard Duckworth’s ‘Dirty Dozen’ challenge to walk all the  projects supported by the appeal, demonstrating the groundswell of support for Mend Our Mountains: Make One Million.

Milestone

Matthew Bradbury, chair of the BMC Access and Conservation Trust, said: “Mend Our Mountains: Make One Million is really moving up through the gears, and hitting this milestone is a big boost. The total we have raised so far ranges from fivers given by individual outdoor enthusiasts to donations in the tens of thousands from businesses and charitable foundations, and everything inbetween. All donations are valuable.

“Raising money is important because fixing the problem of path erosion in the hills and mountains is not cheap. When you factor in stone airlifts, skilled labour and remote locations, it can cost as much as £200 per metre or more.

“But this appeal is also about bringing the outdoor community together and showing our appreciation for the places we walk, run, ride, ramble or climb in. Get involved by rallying your friends and family; organise fundraising activities with your group, club or outdoor buddies; spread the word as far as you can.”