Ambitious plans for the National Trust

The National Trust is marking its 130th birthday by unveiling hugely ambitious plans for the next decade and beyond, as it launches a new 10-year strategy.

The charity, which looks after historic buildings and sites, is ramping up its efforts to address the new national need: the climate and nature crises.

The National Trust was founded in the late 19th century to preserve the natural environment from the ravages of industrialisation.

It later adapted to save scores of country houses from dereliction in the wake of the world wars.

In Norfolk, National Trust properties and sites include the Blickling Estate, Felbrigg Hall, Oxburgh, Sheringham Park and Horsey Windpump.

The new plans follow the largest public consultation ever carried out by the National Trust, with more than 70,000 people – including members, volunteers and industry partners – sharing their views on the Trust’s work and direction.

This consultation has provided the building blocks for the Trust’s new strategy, which will guide the charity’s work over the next 10 years and beyond.

Director-general Hilary McGrady said: “For 130 years, the National Trust has responded to the crises and challenges of the time.

“Today, nature is declining before our eyes and climate change is threa10ing homes and habitats on a colossal scale.

“Meanwhile, millions of people can’t enjoy the benefits that green space and heritage bring.  

“So we will ramp up our work to restore nature, both on our own land and beyond our boundaries.

“We’ll work to end inequality of access to green space and cultural heritage – and we will inspire millions more people to take action to protect the things we all need to thrive.

“Our charity’s founders were passionate campaigners who recognised the threats to our natural and cultural heritage, and, against the odds, did something about it.

“That same boldness is needed today.

“The trust is uniquely placed to do something about these challenges and it’s why we are setting ourselves these ambitious but much-needed goals.” 

Over the next 10 years, the trust will work in partnership with environmental organisations, farmers, landowners and local communities to create 250,000 hectares of nature-rich landscapes.

It will also significantly grow people’s access to nature, beauty and history over the next 10 years, with a view to eventually ending unequal access.

Multiple studies demonstrate the well-being benefits of time spent in nature but access to nature remains very unequal and the impacts of the UK’s mental health crisis are far-reaching, with 17 million working days a year now lost to mental health-related issues.

So the trust is developing a partnership with Mind, and will be working with other organisations, to ensure the conservation charity's hundreds of nature-rich places can help more people, particularly younger people with mental health problems.

With founding partners Natural England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the trust is inviting towns and cities across the UK to be part of a new programme, Nature Towns and Cities.

This will support 100 towns and cities to transform and grow their networks of green spaces, so everyone can enjoy time spent outdoors in nature close to home.

To achieve these ambitious goals the trust is aiming to inspire five million more people to care for and take action for nature and heritage in the next decade, by giving their time, voice or money.

New volunteering opportunities, both directly with the National Trust and with partner organisations, will give also people the chance to make an impact in the areas most important to them.

The organisation is also launching an apprenticeships scheme for 130 young people who might not otherwise consider a career in the National Trust, and who may not be aware of the opportunities on offer.