National Trust Unveils Ambitious New Strategy as it Celebrates 130 Years

Historic Milestone and Strategic Vision

As 2025 marks the National Trust’s 130th birthday, Europe’s largest conservation charity has launched an ambitious 10-year strategy that aims to transform how Britain approaches nature conservation and heritage access. The charity, which cares for historic houses, gardens, and vast landscapes across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, has set out bold plans shaped by more than 70,000 people – partners, members, visitors, volunteers, staff and people they hadn’t met before.

The strategy commits to three main aims: restoring nature, ending unequal access to nature and cultural heritage, and inspiring millions more people to care and take action. This comes at a critical time, as nature is depleting faster in the UK than almost anywhere else in the world.

Key Initiatives and Conservation Goals

Central to the new strategy is an innovative fundraising approach. The National Trust has announced plans to “fundraise more in the next decade than in the previous century”, with initiatives including the new ‘Adopt a Plot’ scheme. Individuals or groups will be able to sponsor a plot of land within one of the charity’s six nature “super sites” for £7.50 per month.

The strategy includes creating 250,000 more hectares of nature-rich landscape on its own land and in collaboration with other landowners, farmers and local communities. Additionally, the National Trust is planning partnerships with Natural England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund to support 100 towns and cities to grow their networks of green spaces.

Financial Challenges and Future Impact

The ambitious plans come amid financial pressures. The National Trust has reported a £56.5m rise in its annual costs, while its income rose by £41.6m year-on-year to £805m in 2024-25. Despite these challenges, the charity remains committed to its mission of protecting Britain’s natural and cultural heritage for future generations.

For millions of visitors, members, and supporters, this new strategy represents an invitation to join a crucial decade of conservation work, ensuring that nature, beauty, and history remain accessible to all.