Tag: National Trust

National Trust to release wild beavers in Somerset in landmark move for UK nature recovery

Stuart Mitchell

The National Trust has legally released into the wild a family and pair of Eurasian beavers at two sites as part of a wider release across the Holnicote Estate on Exmoor in Somerset, to contribute to one of the most ambitious and innovative river and wetland restoration efforts undertaken by the conservation charity. Other animals will be released over the coming days in areas where they can establish their own territories to engineer wetlands, build dams and shape diverse habitats to benefit other wildlife and communities alike. The release across…

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“We can do bold things when people come together”: Giant response to appeal helps National Trust secure cherished Dorset landscape

Stuart Mitchell

Thanks to an overwhelmingly generous response to its fundraising appeal, the National Trust has been able to secure land surrounding the iconic Cerne Abbas Giant in Dorset, protecting this cherished landscape for nature, heritage and future generations. The appeal, launched in early December last year and backed by Sir Stephen Fry, asked for public support in raising £330,000 toward the purchase and care of a 138‑hectare (340‑acre) site around the famous chalk figure. Supporters locally and around the world immediately responded with donations of all sizes, from £1 to £32,000,…

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New life from old barges: National Trust undertakes ultimate recycling mission to create island haven for endangered seabirds

Stuart Mitchell

A bold marine engineering feat is taking shape in the Blackwater Estuary, Essex, where the National Trust has sunk three decommissioned Thames lighters to form a brand-new island designed to help protect some of the UK’s most threatened seabirds. The project—believed to be the first of its kind in the UK—marks the latest chapter in more than 30 years of cutting edge coastal adaptation work in the estuary where the conservation charity has been trialling innovative, nature based solutions to protect Northey Island against rising sea levels and the rapid…

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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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