National Trust
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
The National Trust was founded in 1895 with the aim of saving the nation’s heritage, threatened countryside and coastline. It is a charitable organisation that is funded by membership fees, donations, legacies and income from the commercial operations. In 2014, the trust had more than 3.7 million members.
[edit] Management
The National Trust is governed by an elected board of Trustees and led by the Chairman and Deputy Chairman. A range of internal and external groups have been established to help run and advise the National Trust, including the Board committees, expert Panels and Regional Advisory Boards. The President of the National Trust is Prince Charles.
Numerous volunteers support the professional teams of staff that work in the properties and wider organisation.
[edit] Legislation
In 1907, the first National Trust Act was introduced. This has been amended and updated subsequently, and the current governance is provided by The Charities (National Trust) Order 2005.
[edit] National Trust strategy
The current strategy of the trust is focused on four main areas:
- Engaging with supporters.
- Improving conservation and environmental performance.
- Investing in people.
- Financing the future.
[edit] What the National Trust protects
The National Trust protects:
- Houses and buildings.
- Gardens and parks.
- Nature and wildlife.
- Coast and countryside.
- Sites and monuments.
- Collections.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- Archaeology.
- Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
- Designated sites.
- Energy efficiency for the National Trust.
- English Heritage.
- Environment Agency.
- Gardens Trust.
- Historic England.
- Holy Austin rock houses.
- Listed buildings.
- National parks.
- Natural England.
- Natural Resources Wales.
- Scheduled monuments.
- Scottish Natural Heritage.
- Statutory consultees.
- Technology in the Country House.
- Wimpole Gothic Tower conservation.
[edit] External references
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief exoplanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.