Iberian lynx in sunlight, Spain

Paul Lister

Paul Lister, custodian of Alladale Wilderness Reserve and founder of The European Nature Trust (TENT) is a bold conservationist. After twenty years in the furniture business and the sudden ill health of his father Noel, Paul had a change of consciousness about his life, purpose and legacy. In 2000, he established The European Nature Trust with a focus on environmental and educational projects in Scotland and Romania.

In 2003, he purchased Alladale Wilderness Reserve in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, which is now the focus of a pioneering re-wilding and eco-tourism initiative. Paul is also a trustee of Foundation Conservation Carpathia. With Paul at the helm, TENT is expanding its remit and impact across Europe through travel, film and events. Paul’s unwavering mission is to connect both people and businesses to nature through an ever-increasing number of international environmental projects.

Thoughts. Opinions. Experiences

Sally Light Foot Crab, Galapagos, Ecuador
Sustainability
Increasing Focus on the Ocean
Kate Burnell
As a travel company that values thoughtful exploration, we recognise that our relationship with the ocean must be one of stewardship.…
Quiver Tree, Namibia
Sustainability
The Carbon Conundrum
Jarrod Kyte
A few years ago, carbon dominated every sustainability conversation. While it may no longer be the trend du jour, we remain…
Teenage Kitchen at The Long Table
Sustainability
Steppes Fund for Change Supports The Long Table
Georgia Morley
According to the UN World Food Programme, one-third of all food grown and produced is never eaten, which, according to Our…
Leopards in their natural habitat. Taken at the Yala National Park in Sri Lanka.
Sustainability
Ethical Tourism in Yala National Park
Jarrod Kyte
Yala National Park, renowned for its leopard population, faces increasing pressure from overtourism and poorly regulated safari practices. In the park’s…
Tsavo East National Park, Kenya, Africa
Sustainability
Tackling Overtourism in African National Parks 
Steppes Travel
Overtourism is increasingly affecting some of Africa’s most celebrated national parks, impacting both wildlife and local communities. Finding ways to experience…
Local Row Boat, Koh Surin, Thailand
Sustainability
The Ocean Remembers
Steppes Travel
My mum taught me how to row when I was two years old, sitting on her lap, in the wooden boat…
Bee flying over field in UK
Sustainability
The Stillness We Can’t Ignore
Steppes Travel
Over the past few years, I’ve spent a lot of time with an old friend. She’s quiet company. The type who…
Caiman, Pantanal, Brazil
Sustainability
Guardians of Biodiversity: 6 of Our Favourite Ecotourism Projects
Jarrod Kyte
‘Wild Economy’ is, quite rightly, bang on trend; the stuff of great dinner party conversations and, increasingly, the foundation of modern,…
Female guides being trained
Sustainability
An update for Steppes Fund for Female Guides
Jarrod Kyte
Economic growth and social development are more likely to flourish where women and girls are empowered to fully participate in paid…
Ala Kul Trek, Arashan Gorge, Kyrgyzstan
Newsroom
A changing world requires changing behaviour
Jarrod Kyte
A year ago, in January 2023, the headline on the front cover of The Week was stark: ‘Crisis in the Alps.…

Other heroes and heroines

Who goes further, higher, faster, into the unknown, fights to protect the planet, saves lives, dreams big and ultimately inspires us?

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