Our cause

We protect and care for places so people and nature can thrive. We look after hundreds of houses and close to a million objects, along with vast areas of coastline, countryside and green spaces, for everyone’s benefit. With our staff, members, volunteers and supporters, we’re the biggest conservation charity in Europe. Everyone can get involved, everyone can make a difference.

Following two difficult years affected by the pandemic, 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.

Nothing beats the sound of birdsong on a still morning, or the smell of the sea as it crashes against the shore. Discover more about nature and wildlife at our places and find out how we're looking after it for the years to come.

With close to 1 million objects at over 200 historic places, we care for one of the world's largest art and heritage collections. Uncover a wealth of treasures around every corner and experience the stories behind every object.

We look after many rich and diverse archaeological sites, from the awe-inspiring Anglo-Saxon burial ground at Sutton Hoo, Suffolk to Levant Mine and beam engine, part of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site. Archaeology helps us to learn more about them and protect them for the future.

This year, we’re supporting the Queen’s Green Canopy at the places in our care to mark the Platinum Jubilee. We’re creating a legacy that honours Her Majesty’s 70-year reign. 70 unique and inspiring Jubilee tree planting projects will take place to mark this significant moment in history.

Trees are the best natural armour we have against the climate crisis, so we're working hard to plant and establish 20 million of them by 2030. Discover how your support and working with partners is making all of this possible.

Full of colourful scenes and fantastical animals, these highly decorative Soho tapestries captured how Europeans imagined the 'Far East' in the early 18th century. After their removal eight years ago for safekeeping, the tapestries' fragile state was revealed, from degrading yarns to warped backings that were putting strain on the fabric. After several years of conservation the delicate tapestries are back on display at The Vyne in Hampshire.

Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature, a new exhibition about Beatrix Potter and her love of nature, is running throughout 2022 at the V&A Museum in London. It's created in collaboration between the V&A Museum and the National Trust and explores the life story of this beloved children's author-illustrator. Discover more about our connections with Beatrix and book tickets from the V&A.

From squirrels to seals and ancient trees to plants, the places we care for are home to a huge amount of diverse nature and wildlife. Give today and protect these green spaces and animals for years to come.

We look after over 300 historic buildings and nearly one million works of art, which need constant care to maintain them. You can help protect these important buildings and collections by donating today.

We care for over 780 miles of coastline, which is under ever-increasing threat due to climate change. Help protect the coastal landscapes you love, and the wildlife that call it home, so everyone can enjoy the coast.