Tag: National Trust

National Trust welcomes philanthropist’s record-breaking donation as the charity unveils major plans for 2026

Stuart Mitchell

The National Trust has received the biggest cash donation in its 131-year history as philanthropist Humphrey Battcock has pledged £10 million in unrestricted funding. This comes as the Trust shares its upcoming plans to restore nature, end unequal access to nature and culture, and inspire millions more people to care for the world around them in 2026. Record-breaking donation Mr Battcock’s donation is transformative for the National Trust because it means the charity can spend the funds without conditions. Most donations to UK charities are legally restricted to be spent…

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Size does matter – National Trust launches appeal to help fund purchase and care of land around Cerne Abbas Giant

Stuart Mitchell

The National Trust launches appeal to raise over £300,000 to help fund the purchase and care of land around the Cerne Abbas Giant The charity is looking to raise £330,000 to help fund the purchase and care of, a 138‑hectare (340‑acre) site – equivalent to 190 football pitches – surrounding the famous Cerne Abbas Giant in Dorset. Thanks to generous grants and bequests, over £2 million has already been raised. Now, public support is being asked to help fund the purchase and care of the Giant’s lair, including Giant Hill,…

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First Sycamore Gap saplings (‘Trees of Hope’) to be planted this National Tree Week

Stuart Mitchell

The first of the 49 Sycamore Gap tree saplings given by the National Trust to individuals, community groups, and organisations across the UK will be planted this weekend. The first of the 49 Sycamore Gap tree saplings given by the National Trust to individuals, community groups, and organisations across the UK will be planted this weekend. The plantings, which mark the start of National Tree Week, are the result of the ‘Trees of Hope’ initiative launched by the charity last September to find homes for the saplings grown from the…

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Campaigners warn UK government is failing on trees as swathe of woodland could be lost in Harrogate factory expansion

Stuart Mitchell

A new national report, published in October by the Woodland Trust, National Trust, Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), has warned that the UK Government will miss its climate and biodiversity targets unless urgent action is taken to properly support tree growing and nature recovery. The report stresses the essential role trees play in sustaining biodiversity, mitigating climate change and enhancing wellbeing, and makes recommendations to the Government on how to increase the availability of homegrown trees across England, Scotland and Wales.  Yet at the same time, North Yorkshire Council is recommending the approval of final details…

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Record number of National Trust members stand for election to charity’s Council at Annual General Meeting

Stuart Mitchell

National Trust members have taken part in the Trust’s 130th Annual General Meeting (AGM), which was held recently in STEAM Museum, Swindon, and online. For the second year running, a record number of National Trust members applied to join its Council, which plays a key role in the charity’s governance. This year 200 members with valid applications chose to go forward to ballot, a rise on 127 members standing last year.  The Council, the governing body that appoints trustees and helps to monitor and support their work, is made up…

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