28/10/2026
A commemorative tree planting took place at John Muir Country Park today (Tuesday, 20 October) to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its founding.
The 1763-acre site, which lies near Dunbar and West Barns and stretches across eight miles of coastline, was designated as a Country Park in October 1976.
The park was named in honour of John Muir, the naturalist and conservation pioneer, who was born in Dunbar in 1838 before emigrating to the United States.
Managed by us under an agreement with the landowners, the park is famed for its rich biodiversity and sweeping landscape.
Countryside Rangers from our team were joined by Councillor Colin McGinn and members of the John Muir Advisory Groups for the commemoration event. Representatives from NatureScot, Wild About West Barns, Sustaining Dunbar, the East Lothian Antiquarian and Field Naturalists’ Society, the community councils of Dunbar, West Barns and Dunpender, and other volunteers helped plant three silver birches and two Monterey pines, a tree to represent each decade of the park’s history.
John Muir’s Birthplace museum on Dunbar’s High Street is hosting a new exhibition of photographs to celebrate the park’s anniversary along with reflections from staff, volunteers and Junior Rangers. The free exhibition, which will run until 10 January 2027, is open Wednesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sunday between 1pm and 5pm.
More info: https://orlo.uk/4n5el
