National Trust Research
Director-General: Hilary McGrady
President- Prince Charles
Chairman- Tim Parker
Deputy Chair- Orna Nichionna
The National Trust was founded on 12 January 1895 by Octavia Hill, Sir Robert Hunter and Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley. Over the last 125 years we’ve become one of the UK’s largest charities, caring for historic places and areas of beautiful countryside. It is Europe's largest conservation charity, they look after nature, beauty and history for the nation to enjoy. The charity is run and supported by members, volunteers, and staff. They care for the miles of coastline, woodlands, countryside and the hundreds of historic buildings, gardens and precious collections. In 2020 they are celebrating our 125th birthday. United by a common belief that nature, beauty and history are for everyone, the founders, Octavia Hill, Robert Hunter and Hardwicke Rawnsely, set up the National Trust in 1895 so that natural and historic places could be protected for future generations. They have been able to grow and now look after more than 250,000 hectares of farmland, 780 miles of coastline and 500 historic places, gardens and nature reserves.
They protect and care for places so people and nature can thrive. They look after the nation's coastline, historic sites, countryside and green spaces, ensuring everyone benefits. With our staff, members, volunteers and supporters, they are the biggest conservation charity in Europe. Everyone can get involved, everyone can make a difference.
Their ambition:
The National Trust is woven into the rich tapestry of the national identity of the United Kingdom. This charity exists because people share the idea that beautiful natural and historic places matter – for our spirit, our well-being and our relationships. We don’t seek to preserve or present one unchanging view of our country. Instead, we strive to celebrate its variety. Whether it’s historic houses, farms, coastlines, woodlands, terraced houses or city parks, we stand up for the places that matter to people everywhere. They take their responsibility to protect very seriously, and they want our nation’s beautiful places to remain so forever. Working with others, we will support where we can and lead where we should. They are open to all, whether you love walking in the outdoors, campaigning for nature, immersing yourself in history or simply want to spend time in a beautiful place with family and friends. They want to make sure that, no matter who you are or where you come from, you feel welcome and able to make a difference to the places that matter to you.
Statistics:
When researching information, I found the National Trust's annual report. One part I found particularly interesting was the number of members and visitors. According to the diagrams they have exceeded their target number of memberships in 2018/2019, their target was 2.55m and they got 2.63m individual members. The other diagram shows that 26.9m people visited their properties in 2018/2019 but the chart is only based on how many people were within the pay barrier so they are actually many more people.
