The Backcountry Trust is seeking greater financial commitment from backcountry users.

National operations manager Rob Brown says, “A small monthly donation is an easy and painless way to support the work of the Backcountry Trust to help keep the hut and track network in top shape.

“Currently, just 10 people donate monthly for the entire country. Most donate the price of a pint at the pub. Others give a nice yearly amount in one hit, about the level of a Backcountry Hut Pass. That too is appreciated. A couple of people give enough to fund an entire hut renovation. Every bit helps to keep the work going.”

Brown said he recognised times were tough: “If [the outdoors] is your main R&R, then donations big and small help more volunteer groups get the maintenance work done in every corner of the country. 

“For the 150 or so volunteers a year who do the hard yards, the small donations go directly into the work they do on behalf of all of us.”