In 2020 we're celebrating our 125th anniversary. We’re carrying on the ambition set out by our founders to care for nature, beauty and history. Here’s a reminder of what we’re here for and how the values of our founders are still at the heart of everything we do.
The National Trust was founded on 12 January 1895 by Octavia Hill, Sir Robert Hunter and Hardwicke Rawnsley. Over the last 125 years we’ve grown to become Europe’s largest conservation charity, caring for historic properties and areas of beautiful countryside for everyone, for ever.
We were founded in 1895 by three extraordinary leaders, Octavia Hill, Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley and Sir Robert Hunter, who were were united by a belief that nature, beauty and history are for everyone and that natural and historic places should be protected for future generations.
We are a large charity with a clear purpose and broad range of interests. Our governance arrangements reflect these and are designed to support and challenge our staff.
What we're doing to protect Britain's glorious buildings, landscapes and coastlines.
The benefits of working with us
We work with a select range of corporate partners that help us ensure our nation’s special places are cared for and protected. All our partnerships help us play our part in supporting an environment under pressure for the benefit of everybody.
Grant income is an important component of our overall income profile. In 2015/16 we received approximately £19m from a wide range of statutory funders.
Father and daughter flying a kite in Rhossili Bay, SwanseaNational Trust Images/John Millar
Your ongoing support and generosity helps to protect the UK's best-loved places, and ensure they remain special for everyone to enjoy.
That's why we're a part of the Fundraising Regulator's self-regulatory scheme, and why, when you make a donation to us you can be confident that our fundraising is legal, open, honest and respectful.
We’ve published our gender pay gap data, as required under government regulations, which measures the difference between the average hourly rate paid to males within an organisation and the average hourly rate paid to females.
Hilary McGrady has worked for the National Trust since 2006. Before she was appointed to Director-General, she acted as chief operating officer, leading the operations and consultancy teams.
