Land & landscape

We look after 250,000 hectares of countryside and more than 775 miles of coastline, keeping them accessible for future generations

Views along Hadrian's Wall towards Housesteads Fort

I'm interested in...

Sunrise at Sutton Hoo

What the historic landscape means to us 

With the help of archaeology, aerial photographs and land surveys, we're uncovering the hidden secrets of our historic landscapes.

Dig into buried history
A view of Great Gable from Lingmell Summit in Wasdale Cumbria

Looking after the Lake District 

Home to England's highest mountain and deepest lake, the wilds of the Lake District have inspired countless poems, paintings and children's stories. Discover how we're working to look after this unique landscape for years to come.

A changing landscape
Visitor at the Giant's Causeway

Send us your best shots 

Our annual photography competition is open for entries. This year we're looking for two special images to feature on our 2019 Handbook and membership card. We want photos that capture what nature means to you - a favourite landscape or wildlife wonder at one of our places.

The surface remains of Levant Mine, near St Just, Cornwall, including stacks and beam engine houses

World Heritage sites 

We care for special places across the UK. Find out more about the few that have been recognised as globally important World Heritage sites.

Read the list

Why planning matters...

The River Ouse flooding at Sheffield Park

Why we care about planning 

We care about the protection of the places that matter. That's why the work we do with the land-use planning is so important.

Damp footprints on the rocks at Poldhu Cove on the Lizard Peninsula, Cornwall

How we engage in planning: our role as a developer 

In the course of our work, we're responsible for some new developments, which means that we're a participant in the planning system.

Drystone wall in the Peak District

How to build a drystone wall 

Drystone walls are a traditional countryside feature, marking important land boundaries, but there's more to them than meets the eye. Find out what goes into creating these intricate structures.

Building a drystone wall
Saddlescombe Farm, West Sussex

Working with the landscape 

With the landscape as their most valuable resource, our tenant farmers are working hard to protect it, meaning delicious local and seasonal food all year round.

Looking towards Stonehenge from King Barrows Ridge

Stonehenge A303 road improvement scheme 

The A303 divides and blights the Stonehenge World Heritage Site - one of the most important prehistoric landscapes in Europe. An ambitious plan to divert traffic through a tunnel beneath the site could provide an overall benefit to the whole World Heritage Site, providing it is located and designed with the utmost care.

Find out our views on the plans

Give

We're a charity and rely on your donations to help our conservation work

Ways to donate

Volunteer

Each year thousands of volunteers join us in caring for all the special places you love

Start volunteering