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Sharing our views

The National Trust does more than just look after our own properties. We also help to shape external policy and issues of public debate for the benefit of our national and cultural heritage.

We draw on our vast practical experience to influence decision makers through lobbying and advocacy, undertaking research and piloting new ideas, and publishing and publicising the results.

Natural environment

Green Spaces: Measuring the Benefits
April 2008

Land needs to be better managed to meet the competing demands for food production, wildlife conservation and access to open spaces, says a new report published by the National Trust.

Climate change, intensive agriculture and plans for newly built developments are increasing the pressures on this finite resource, and more land will need to have multiple functions in the future.

Nature's Capital
14 March 2008

This report highlights the importance of land management in addressing climate change and flooding. It urges the public and private sector to invest new money in helping to deliver major public benefits from land, including reduced risk of flooding and tackling climate change.

Consultation on proposals to improve access to the English coast
September 2007

The National Trust has welcomed the Government's proposals on improving access to the English coast. The Trust provides free public access to over 800 kilometres of the English coastline for millions of visitors each year. Our research shows that access to the coast makes a major contribution to people’s wellbeing and identity, as well as being vital to the economy of many coastal communities. We particularly value the integrated approach suggested by the Government of meeting access and coastal conservation needs within a proposed 'coastal corridor'.

Shifting Shores
Action needed now to enable Wales to adapt to rising sea levels.
February 2007

A new report by the National Trust –'Shifting Shores' – shows that more than seventy percent of its coastline in Wales, much of it internationally renowned, could be severely affected by coastal erosion and flooding in the next 100 years

Valuing our Environment
Economic Impact of the Coastal and Marine Environment of Wales
November 2006

These are the principal findings of the research which assesses, for the first time, the economic importance of the coastal and marine environment. This study will inform the decisions of the Welsh Assembly Government, local authorities and other decision makers.

Valuing our Environment
Economic Impact of the National Parks of Wales
October 2006

This study takes forward the implementation of the Valuing our Environment (VoE) methodology to show the economic impacts of the environment in the National Parks of Wales.

Towards Sustainable Land Management
September 2006

This report (and summary) examines the opportunities presented by an integrated approach to sustainable land management and the barriers which need to be addressed. Towards Sustainable Land Management has been prepared by Richard Cowell, Cardiff University, and draws on a range of different examples from National Trust properties.

History and heritage

Why History Matters
January 2007

A new publication capturing the nation’s passion for history and heritage has been published jointly by the National Trust and key heritage organisations.

Policy from Practice
October 2006

The briefing illustrates the Trust’s experience as a charity, conservation organisation and business and how this may inform wider policy and practice.

The Disposal of Heritage Assets by Public Bodies
October 2006

This report has been produced by Richard Bate from the environmental consultancy Green Balance, and presents the results of probably the most comprehensive study yet undertaken of the approach taken by central and local government to sales of land and buildings of heritage value.

Demonstrating the Public Value of Heritage
June 2006

This report, produced with Accenture, explores the role of 'public value' in relation to heritage policy and investment. Drawing on debates over investment in public services, Demonstrating the Public Value of Heritage is a contribution to thinking on how best to recognise, measure and increase the wide ranging benefits of heritage.

Smart development and travel

Planning White Paper
August 2007

The National Trust is voicing concern about some of the reforms proposed in the Government's Planning White Paper. We believe that the changes to the way major infrastructure decisions are made would reduce opportunities for voluntary organisations and local communities to comment, and undervalue local environmental concerns. The current land use planning system plays a vital role in mediating land use change and development in the public interest.

Review of Sub-National Economic Development and Regeneration
August 2007

The National Trust is calling on the Government to enhance the proposals set out in its review of Sub-National Economic Development and Regeneration by focusing on sustainable development and making the best use of third sector partners rather than a skewed emphasis on promoting economic growth.

Policy from Practice

These briefings illustrate the Trust’s experience as a charity, conservation organisation and business and how this may inform wider policy and practice.

Green living

Policy from Practice
October 2006

The briefing illustrates the Trust’s experience as a charity, conservation organisation and business and how this may inform wider policy and practice.

Newsletters

Places
Spring 2008

The National Trust's regular policy newsletter - keeping you up to date with current issues and affairs.
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The Managed Retreat Project on the River Plym, at Saltram, Devon
© NTPL / Joe Cornish
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