Evening lights on the shore of Buttermer Lake at Buttermere Valley, Cumbria

Our cause

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Find out more about

Visiting this spring 

In England and Northern Ireland, our gardens, parks and countryside sites remain open for local people to exercise. Shops, houses and other indoor areas are closed, and cafés are takeaway only. The safety of our staff, volunteers and visitors from the nearby community remains our priority and we urge you to book your visits in advance and stay local. All places in Wales are currently closed. Please check the property webpage before you travel.

More information on what’s open
Young child running beside a row of blossom trees at Ardress House

Everyone needs nature 

This year, more than ever before, nature has been our source of comfort. Trees towering above us, serene coastal paths, the simplicity of a rushing stream and panoramic drama in the skies – these can answer our need for quiet and inspiration.

Ways to give back to nature
Samurai armour from Snowshill being worked on by conservators at the conservation studio

Funding windfall for precious artworks 

We can restore more than 100 historic artworks thanks to a generous gift from our US membership affiliate The Royal Oak Foundation. Find out how we'll be using the money to restore some of the rarest collection items in our care.

Discover our conservation work
Large blue butterflies on Rodborough Common

2020 weather and wildlife review  

It's been a year of mixed fortunes for the UK's wildlife. While extreme weather and warm temperatures have had a huge impact on wildlife this year, many species thrived in the peace and quiet of lockdown. Discover how birds, animals and insects fared during the last 12 months and learn more about our work to protect the natural world.

Protecting nature
Academy ranger Rowan Patterson

Who we are and what we stand for 

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. With our staff, members, volunteers and supporters, we’re the biggest conservation charity in Europe. Everyone can get involved, everyone can make a difference.

Sunset on the beach at Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters, East Sussex

About the National Trust today 

Following our 125th anniversary in 2020 and the difficult year it turned out to be for all of us, we continue to carry on the ambition set out by our founders to care for nature, beauty and history. Here’s a reminder of what we’re here for and how the values of our founders are still at the heart of everything we do.

" As a charity we appreciate your support now more than ever in these difficult times. Over the past few months it’s become clear just how much we all need fresh air, open space and beauty. Your donation today will help look after all our special places for everyone, for ever."
- Lydia Lee, National Trust Fundraising Director
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.

Donate now
A canopy of trees at One Tree Hill

Restoring woodlands affected by ash dieback 

Historic trees and woodlands are facing a huge challenge. Ash dieback has surged in part due to a dry and very warm spring. We predict between 75–95 per cent of all ash trees will be lost in the next 20-30 years. We need your help to care for the future of our woodlands.

Read the full story

How we're helping

Solar panel on the roof of the Sutton Hoo visitor centre

How we're tackling climate change 

Climate change poses the biggest threat to the places, nature and collections we care for. That’s why we must do more than ever before. We’ll become carbon net zero by 2030, create 25,000 hectares of wildlife habitats by 2025 and we’ll create green corridors for people and nature near towns and cities.

Barn Owls at Charlecote

Nurturing nature 

Natural habitats and wildlife need to flourish, so we're working to restore the environment to ensure that they can.

Close up of hands holding open a 15th-century illustrated Book of Hours

Introducing remarkable collections 

With close to one million objects at over 200 historic places, we care for one of the world's largest art and heritage collections. Discover a wealth of treasures around every corner and experience the stories behind every object.

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.

Caring for special places

Butterflies on a bluebell stem

Donate to support nature’s key workers 

From butterflies to beavers, the places we care for are home to a huge amount of diverse wildlife that continues to need our support during this time.

Rangers repairing a coastal path

Donate to keep the coastline in our care safe 

We’re making sure the coast in our care remains safe for people to enjoy by checking rescue equipment, safety barriers and signs at beaches.

Volunteer dry brushing dirt from a statue

Donate to protect the buildings in our care 

We're continuing to monitor environmental conditions of the buildings and collections in our care to prevent any deterioration or damage.