National Trust Unveils Ambitious Plans for Nature Restoration and Heritage Preservation

130 Years of Conservation: A New Chapter Begins

The National Trust, Britain’s largest conservation charity, is embarking on an ambitious new chapter as it marks its 130th anniversary. The organisation has launched a 10-year strategy to tackle the climate crisis and support biodiversity, positioning itself to address the most pressing environmental challenges facing the nation. With over 5 million members and responsibility for hundreds of historic properties and vast swathes of countryside, the Trust’s strategic direction has significant implications for heritage preservation and environmental conservation across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Ambitious Goals for Nature and Community

The plan was developed following a public consultation that involved more than 70,000 people, including trust members, volunteers and industry partners. The strategy focuses on three core aims: restoring nature, ending unequal access to cultural heritage, and inspiring public action. The organisation will support 100 towns and cities to transform and grow green space, and help create 250,000 more hectares of nature-rich landscape. Additionally, the trust’s plans include creating an apprenticeships scheme for 130 young people in areas including countryside management, gardening and project management, with the first round of apprenticeships opening for applications in May 2025.

Expansion and Modernisation

The Trust is expanding its property portfolio with significant new openings. It will open its first site in the centre of Coventry – a Grade 1-listed, 14th century former monastery Charterhouse with a walled garden. In October, it was confirmed that the National Trust would be taking on the museums at Ironbridge Gorge, which have been managed by the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust. The charity is also modernising its infrastructure, with more than 160 EV charging bays already delivered across the UK, with more installations planned through 2026.

Navigating Financial Challenges

Despite its ambitious plans, the Trust faces financial pressures. The National Trust reported a £56.5m rise in its annual costs, with total expenditure rising to £811m while income rose to £805m. The charity announced in July plans to cut 6% of jobs to save £26m due to increasing costs. However, director-general Hilary McGrady, who was awarded a CBE for her services to heritage in the King’s New Year Honours, remains committed to the organisation’s mission to restore nature and expand access to green spaces for all.