The National Trust has been caring for special places in the UK for more than 125 years. During that time, we have sought to preserve the nation’s precious heritage through a wide range of projects, initiatives and programmes. On this page, we look back at all the important milestones in our history, from our foundation right up to our recent anniversary celebrations.
The founders of the National Trust believed that everyone needs nature, beauty and history, so they set up the Trust to look after the nation’s coastline, historic sites, countryside and green spaces.
With 5.37 million members, 10,000 staff and thousands of volunteers, the National Trust is now the biggest conservation charity in Europe, caring for more than 250,000 hectares of farmland, more than 780 miles of coastline, and more than 500 historic properties, gardens and nature reserves, for everyone, for ever.
Take a look below to learn about some of the key moments in the National Trust’s history.
