Number of members in British Mountaineering Council in the UK 2007-2020
The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) is the national representative body for climbers, hill walkers, and mountaineers within England and Wales. The primary focus of the BMC is to promote and protect the interests and freedoms of mountaineers; to celebrate British mountaineering heritage; promote sustainable access to the cliff and mountain environment and to engage new generations in the development of mountaineering activities. Since its establishment the various disciplines under its purview have varied in popularity over time. Currently there exists a strong development of the indoor, sport climbing and bouldering disciplines, particularly following the announcement of its inaugural inclusion in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The BMC operates a range of programs, events and policy initiatives, including financial support for its three charities: the BMC Access & Conservation Trust (ACT), the Mountain Heritage Trust (MHT), and the Land & Property Trust; as well as support for key partner organizations: Mountain Training England, and the Mountain Training Trust. Access and conservation remains one of most highly prioritized specialist programs undertaken by the BMC which takes the form of political engagement, environmental campaigning, climbing site management and local access negotiations for climbers and hill walkers.