The National Trust was founded by volunteers in 1895 to preserve places of historic interest or natural beauty in England, Wales and Northern Ireland for the benefit of everyone.

As Europe's largest conservation body, we have a duty to uphold high standards, to educate and inform, and to influence public opinion and decision-makers through experience and example. Our original aims of conservation and protection are as important today as they were 100 years ago, and our work covers many areas, including:

• protecting natural and built heritage;
  
  
• helping to foster the life of villages and rural communities;
  
  
• developing sustainable agriculture;
  
  
• promoting good environmental practices;
  
  
• archaeology, including industrial archaeology;
  
  
• volunteer involvement and community programmes;
  
  
• education, both formal and informal; and
  
  
• providing access and leisure opportunities, including events.
  

We are a registered charity, independent of government and supported by a membership of over 3 million. Volunteers play a key part in helping us safeguard and preserve countryside, houses and gardens.