Yorkshire Bank and Clydesdale Bank are now the National Trust’s ‘Outdoor Programme’ sponsor, supporting the Trust by funding environmental initiatives and projects in its gardens.

© NTPL / Stephen Robson

Yorkshire Bank kicks off its sponsorship by launching a programme for employees covering a range of heritage and environmental issues. In addition to learning how small lifestyle changes can make a real difference to the environment, staff will have the chance to take part in a range of volunteering projects.

Yorkshire Bank volunteers will support the National Trust’s extensive outdoor work as it strives to care for more than 200 historic gardens. Over the three year sponsorship programme, the Bank will also help fund a series of major initiatives to involve its customers and the wider community in environmental issues.

© NTPL / Rupert Truman

Gary Lumby, Yorkshire Bank’s Head of Retail, said:
'We are delighted to announce our partnership agreement with the National Trust and are looking forward to playing our part in conserving our country’s heritage. This initiative will engage our employees and customers and, working closely with the National Trust, we will develop a range of conservation projects for them to get involved in – such as lectures, fence building and business mentoring.'

The three year sponsorship plays an integral part of the Bank’s commitment to protect the environment, which includes a pledge to be Carbon Neutral by 2010.

© NTPL / Stephen Robson

Mike Calnan, National Trust’s Head of Gardens, added:
'We’re thrilled Yorkshire Bank and Clydesdale Bank will be supporting the National Trust’s gardens through its ‘Outdoor Programme’. We hope this relationship will go from strength to strength and we look forward to developing many ‘green’ innovative initiatives with them. It’s fantastic to have them on board to help ensure one of the greatest collections of historic gardens in the world continue to thrive.'