National Trust Charts New Course with Ambitious Strategy Amid Financial Challenges

Conservation Charity Marks 130th Anniversary with Vision for the Future

The National Trust, Europe’s largest conservation charity, is embarking on an ambitious new chapter as it celebrates its 130th anniversary in 2025. The charity has unveiled hugely ambitious plans for the next decade and beyond, launching a new 10-year strategy that aims to transform how Britons engage with nature and heritage across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Strategy Built on Public Consultation

The new strategy comes after listening to more than 70,000 people – including partners, members, visitors, volunteers, and staff over 18 months of consultation. The plan focuses on three core goals: to restore nature – not just on National Trust land, but everywhere; to end unequal access to nature, beauty and history; and to inspire millions more people to care and take action.

Key initiatives include a new ‘Adopt a plot’ fundraising initiative at six nature super sites and plans to create 250,000 more hectares of nature-rich landscape. The National Trust plans to fundraise more in the next decade than in the previous century to support this vision.

Financial Pressures and Restructuring

Despite record-breaking visitor numbers and income levels, the charity faces significant financial challenges. The charity’s income rose by £41.6m year-on-year to £805m in 2024-25, while total expenditure rose by £56.5m to £811m. The National Trust announced in July plans to cut 6% of jobs to save £26m due to increasing costs, with the charity reviewing the plans in light of feedback submitted by staff and volunteers.

Significance for the Future

As the National Trust navigates financial pressures whilst launching its most ambitious strategy yet, the charity’s success will prove crucial for conservation efforts nationwide. With nature depleting faster in the UK than almost anywhere else in the world, the organisation’s ability to deliver on its promises whilst maintaining financial sustainability will have far-reaching implications for Britain’s natural and cultural heritage for generations to come.