Make a Difference in the Wild Heart of Scotland

Reserve your place on our Conservation Residential today

Cairngorms Conservation Residential

Located in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, the Mar Lodge Estate is one of the most important areas for nature conservation in the British Isles. Managed by the National Trust for Scotland, the estate was awarded National Nature Reserve status in 2017, making it the largest National Nature Reserve in the UK.

This unique residential offers the chance to spend a week immersed in one of Scotland's most spectacular wild landscapes, working alongside conservation professionals and experienced outdoor leaders. You'll get hands-on with practical conservation projects that help protect and restore the estate, from habitat and path restoration to woodland regeneration and wildlife monitoring. Along the way, you'll learn about the challenges facing our natural environment and how conservation plays a vital role in tackling climate change and supporting biodiversity.

It's not all hard work, though. Evenings provide an opportunity to relax, socialise and enjoy the surroundings with your fellow participants. Depending on conditions, activities may include stargazing under some of the UK's darkest skies, outdoor games, quizzes, wildlife spotting and a visit to the local village of Braemar. There will be plenty of opportunities to make new friends, share experiences and enjoy life in the Cairngorms.

Whether you're passionate about conservation, looking to gain new experiences, or simply keen to spend time in the outdoors, this residential offers a rewarding mix of meaningful environmental work, personal development and adventure in a truly unforgettable setting.

Although we have designed our residential to meet DofE residential requirements, the programme has not been approved by DofE and therefore, please check with your DofE leader before booking.

Watch the National Trust for Scotland’s video below

  • 12-16th October 2026

    The Mar Lodge Estate National Nature Reserve is located on the southern side of the main Cairngorm plateau, near the village of Braemar.

    This residential experience offers participants an exciting opportunity to explore and help conserve this wild place.

  • Hillgoers have exclusive access to the Mar Lodge Estate Bunkhouse which sleeps 12 with 4 bedrooms. There are 2 four-bedded rooms and 1 two-bedded room (all with bunk beds), and one room suitable for additional needs visitors, with two single beds and an en-suite with toilet and shower.

    A fully equipped kitchen, sitting room, dining room, drying room, showers, and toilets.

  • You do not have to be enrolled with the Duke of Edinburgh's Award to attend, although we have designed the package to meet the requirements of a DofE residential. Participants should check with their DofE Manager or Leader regarding eligibility, as this open residential is not being run exclusively as a DofE approved residential.

    We aim to be as inclusive as possible within the limitations of the accommodation and activities the estate are conducting at the time, please get in touch to discuss.

    • 5 days / 4 nights accommodation at the Mar Lodge Estate National Nature Reserve.

    • Breakfast, lunch and evening meals, cooking will be a group activity.

    • Transfers to / from Braemar and Aberdeen.

    • Fully qualified staff in attendance 24hrs.

  • Arriving Monday lunchtime and depart Friday afternoon, you will leave with a sense of achievement and greater understanding of environmental conservation in the field, working alongside the Hillgoers team, Mar Lodge Estate rangers and ecologists. You will explore the area and learn more about the key conservation projects that have been ongoing since the National Trust for Scotland took over the Estate in 1995. You will be given the opportunity to learn more about the wonderful nature in the Mar Lodge Estate and Cairngorms National Park.

As featured in BBC Outdoor Scotland

Sample itinerary

    • Arrive for lunch (circa 1pm), meet your fellow team members!

    • Hillgoers team will help you explore the facilities and grounds in the vicinity of Mar Lodge

    • Set up the wildlife camera traps

    • Introduction talk from the Mar Lodge Estate ranger / ecologist

    • Discuss and agree on the plan for your week

    • Help prepare your evening meal, socialise and have fun!

  • Work alongside Hillgoers and Mar Lodge Estate staff on projects, see examples below

  • Explore the Estate to look at and learn more about key conservation projects as well as the general environment. This could involve walking up to 15km on trails on one of the days

    • Wrap up day, focusing on sharing our experiences as a group and what we can do going forward

    • Possible local activity near the lodge

    • Leave accommodation as found

    • Depart approximately 3pm

  • The evenings are yours to enjoy, but we can offer optional activities if you'd like to join in. Some examples include a movie night, stargazing, night-scope wildlife spotting, games/quiz night, or wide games. We also welcome your own ideas and suggestions!

Example Conservation projects: Tree planting, fencing, ring barking trees, peatland restoration, footpath maintenance, bridge maintenance, spruce removal, seed / botanical collection, installing tree bud protection and more!

Support the National Trust for Scotland’s Mar Lodge Estate and book your place today!