Land & landscape

We look after 250,000 hectares of countryside and more than 780 miles of coastline, keeping them accessible for future generations

Dunwich Heath summer header image

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Holcombe Moor, near Manchester, transformed into a 'giant sponge' with thousands of peat bunds visible from the air

Peatland landscape turned into 'giant sponge' to absorb carbon 

Thousands of peat bunds have been created on Holcombe Moor near Manchester to help tackle climate change. The scallop-shaped banks will improve the condition of the peat and enable it to store carbon, attract birds and reduce flooding downstream. Dams were also created to further slow the flow of rainwater and sphagnum moss plugs were planted to hold moisture in the soil.

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The Holnicote Estate in Somerset is one of the places to benefit from extra funding

Funding boost for our work towards a green recovery 

We've received more funding for projects benefiting people, nature, the climate and the economy. Our work across Exmoor, Shropshire and the Lake District will get further funding of almost £2m from the Government's Green Recovery Challenge Fund. This will help us restore rivers, create habitats, plant trees, manage flooding and use nature-friendly farming methods.

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Erosion on Brown Tongue, Scafell Pike, Wasdale

Help us reduce erosion at the places we care for 

We're pleased that so many of you are enjoying the countryside but we need your help to protect the places in our care against footpath erosion. Find out how increasing visitor numbers, social distancing and winter weather are affecting precious landscapes.

Protect the places you love
Vision for the northern gateway area of Manchester - Collyhurst Park

New research shows the need for urban green space 

A report we've commissioned has shown that the huge surge in people’s use of green spaces during coronavirus reveals an inequality of access to nature in many neighbourhoods, towns and cities.

Historic landscapes

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.

Aerial view of the White Horse Uffington Oxfordshire

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.

Autumn colour at Winkworth Arboretum, Surrey

Trees & plants 

We care for 25,000 hectares (61,776 acres) of woodland, 135 wild landscape sites and more than 200 gardens, and have as many wonderful stories to tell

Our trees and plants
The Tea Party Oak tree at Ickworth

Tree of the month  

The Tea Party Oak is the oldest tree on the Ickworth estate in Suffolk and our tree of the month for August. Find out more about this grand old English oak (Quercus robur) and the wildlife that depends on it.

More on the Tea Party Oak

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.

Geese coming in to roost on Blakeney Freshes

Capturing carbon 

Almost three quarters of the most important land in our care is vulnerable to climate change. Not only do these landscapes support wildlife they also store and capture carbon emissions. Find out what we're doing to protect them.

Our latest carbon research
Joe in the tractor tedding the cut hay before baling

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.

Explore the farms
Help nature thrive
Red squirrel with a nut

Give back to nature 

More than ever before, nature has been our source of comfort during difficult times. But climate change is accelerating the decline of these green spaces. Nature gives us so much, donate today and help us protect these precious places and the wildlife that live there.

Donate now

Our cause

We protect and care for places so people and nature can thrive. We look after the nation's coastline, historic sites, countryside and green spaces, ensuring everyone benefits.

What we do