Nature conservationists everywhere will recognise the ancient truth at the heart of these poetic words from the renowned environmentalist and author Rachel Carson. Sadly, we also hear the undeniable modern threat. The story of the earth, particularly those chapters where land meets sea, is in big trouble.
Through the generosity of our supporters, the National Trust in the South West has the privilege of looking after great swathes of Britain’s spectacular but endangered coastline as well as thousands of precious acres inland too. We are committed to finding a better future for it all.
Our new National Strategy launched in 2014 placed the restoration and conservation of nature at the very heart of our future work because we understand that along with the privilege comes a serious duty.
There’s no doubt that exploring the great outdoors fills the soul. Treating yourself to a lungful of salty air fresh off the ocean, listening to the myriad calls of birds as they flit and swoop across the open skies or crouching to study the tiniest jewel of a flower – all these pleasures feel like a basic human right. But while none of us should have to live without the freedom to enjoy Britain’s rich wilderness, our relationship with nature has become complicated. We need to give it some space.