Research at the National Trust

Archaeological Survey on Lundy Island, in the Bristol Channel, Devon

Our research takes place in many forms – from the PhDs we sponsor and practical testing of new conservation techniques to the hundreds of research projects we collaborate in or host at our places each year. We're an Independent Research Organisation recognised by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), this status is only awarded to organisations with a strong ability to deliver research for the UK.

Our research interests are diverse and integrate nature and culture; while many organisations focus primarily on collections conservation, curatorial or environmental research, the National Trust spans all three.

The National Trust is keen to collaborate in or host research which benefits the heritage and natural environment sectors. Our Strategic Framework for Research strongly emphasises knowledge exchange and working in partnership with others for mutual benefit. With more than five million members and millions of visitors each year, we also have the potential to generate significant research impact.

UCL ISH PhD student researching the extraction, analysis and archival of heritage smells

Why do we do research? 

We are a UKRI recognised Independent Research Organisation and our research helps us to learn more about the places in our care and find practical solutions to conservation problems.

A visitor taking photographs of terns on the Farne Islands

Strategic Framework for Research 

Research takes many forms across the places we care for. From discovering rare butterflies to prehistoric settlements to Chinese wallpapers, read our Strategic Framework for Research to find out our plans.

A boy examines the 17th century needlework in the Tapestry Dreassing Room at Treasurer's House, Yorkshire

How to work with us 

Partnering with the University of Manchester, Academic research and engagement coordinator, Ben Wilcock is developing a toolkit to help researchers access National Trust projects.

Want to know more about working with the National Trust? Contact the research team
Children look at the view from the big stones on Back Tor, Edale, Derbyshire

Working with the University of Exeter 

We'll be joining forces with the University of Exeter in a new national partnership to help protect the natural world. The joint research initiative will explore how both organisations can best respond and adapt to environmental and cultural change, support wildlife renewal and improve wellbeing through nature.

About the partnership
Details of three portraits

Addressing our stories of colonialism and historic slavery 

The National Trust cares for places and collections on behalf of the nation, and many have direct and indirect links to colonialism and historic slavery. We're addressing these histories and their cultural significance and have published our report into these links.

Find out what's in the report

Some of our case studies

Sunset over the gardens at Monk's House, East Sussex.

The Jewish Country House 

We are collaborating with Professor Abigail Green at the University of Oxford to explore the Jewish heritage of six key houses, including Nymans, Waddesdon and Monks House.

Charlecote Park's house team tackle the mould that affects the collection

Protecting historic interiors from mould 

PhD researcher Morena Ferreira and Dr Nigel Blades are researching microclimates with a high risk of mould development to help control the impact of mould on the interiors and collections we care for.

Mud-flats at Orford Ness National Nature Reserve, Suffolk

Collaborative methodologies and mapping coastal change  

Working on the Suffolk Coast and at Poole Harbour, Phil Dyke and Dr Sally Brown are generating key knowledge around coastal change which will help preserve these landscapes for the future.

Read about our cause

While we're passionate about open spaces and historic places, we're working hard in other areas too. With your help, we're caring for the environment, food and farming, green energy and transport, and heritage.

What we care about