Land & landscape

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

Take a walk on Northumberland Coast

I'm interested in...

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.

Find out more

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.

Whitebeam coming into leaf on Ventnor Downs

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
Ranger inspecting sunflowers at Rhossili and South Gower Coast, Wales

Meet our rangers 

From counting grey seals to caring for wildflower meadows, our rangers go to extraordinary lengths to look after nature. Learn more about their work and meet some of the men and women who work hard throughout the year to protect the countryside.

Our rangers and their work
Robin at Quarry Bank Mill, Cheshire

Give back to nature 

This year, more than ever before, nature has been our source of comfort. 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.

A volunteer clearing bracken on a National Trust Working Holiday at Bosigran Farm, Cornwall

Experience a working holiday 

You can actively help to protect our beautiful countryside on a holiday with a difference. Work alongside our rangers on vital countryside tasks whilst immersed in wild heathland, ancient woods or coastal views.

More about working holidays

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.

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

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

Ways to volunteer