The National Trust: What is it?

The National Trust is a society that is committed to preserving natural beauty and historic gardens.

What is The National Trust?

Over the last 126 years, The National Trust has been dedicated to protecting the highest standards of conservation. They were founded in 1895 by Octavia Hill, Sir Robert Hunter and Hardwicke Rawnsley.

A big influence in the decision to found the trust was the industrialisation that was causing big threats to heritage and other natural landscapes that were at risk of being destroyed.

The National Trust looks after more than 250,000 acres of land, 780 miles of coastline and around 500 places with historic backgrounds, as well as a range of gardens and popular nature reserves. They use a variety of different methods in order to maintain the upkeep of natural preserves.

They restore the natural environment by:

• Improving the condition of habitats, soil and water
• Working in partnership to renew landscapes
• Developing new models for land use
• Raise the standards of presentation in places that they look after
• Increasing the experience of outdoor interaction for citizens
• Reveal a location's cultural heritage
• Finding solutions on how to use green space
• Making places better for those who require more support in order to be able to easily access them
• Increasing access to parks
• Creating a fair and equal society

The National Trust is a charity based organisation that depends heavily on donations and memberships of the public in order to carry out the abovementioned targets. It is estimated at over 13.9 million people have visited the places under their care.

They stated that in the past year, they have budgeted £83.8m into funds that went towards conservation projects. Most of these funds have been sourced from membership fees, donations and funds that have been raised.

Landscapes and Historic Preserves

Under their promise to preserve as much natural land as possible, The National Trust care for a number of parks and gardens. They are responsible for over 250 of them and we have explored some of those places

Lake District

The National Trust look after over 20% of the Lake District National Park. Being located in the United Kingdom, Lake District has plenty to offer. If you are a keen hiker and enjoy nature walks, then Lake District is a great option for you. They have walking trails and paths that are placed along with the beautiful natural landscapes.

In addition, you have the chance to take part in fun outdoor activities that take advantage of the natural atmosphere. 

The Stone Circles

Another popular natural preserve protected by the National Trust is the Stone Circle. They are circular alignments of standing stones stand can be found across Northern Europe and Great Britain.

Specifically, Avebury Manor and Stonehenge are protected and there is plenty to do at this location that allows you to interact with the natural landscape. You would really be taking advantage of the outdoors with their popular walking challenges. You can learn about their history, the wildlife and the archaeology behind this landscape.

Hadrian's Wall

Hadrian's Wall was built to guard the northwest frontier of the Roman Empire. This historic landscape is protected by the National Trust and you can explore by walking at the wall and discovering the vast array of history located at this destination.

Anglesey Abbey

These gardens located in Cambridgeshire are maintained all year round and have something to offer in every season. The area is 114 acres of garden that was transformed by Lord Fairhaven and it has maintained an amazing display of nature.

In spring you can witness the growth of flowers such as daffodils and hyacinths. You can also see the rainbow of colours that replicate the original designs of the garden. It is something you are not going to want to miss.

Chirk Castle

If you are wanting to explore somewhere with plenty of wildlife then Chirk castle is the place for you. You are able to see the 13th-century castle that was built by Roger Mortimer de Chirk.

Filled with trails that wind around the 480 acres of parkland allow you to experience this historic land with ancient trees and plenty of flowers. You can also relax in their 5.5-acre garden.

National Trust Membership

When you become a member of the National Trust you are helping them to be able to protect and preserve historic and natural environments. There is not one standard membership and you have four options to choose from, which are as followed:

• Individual
• Joint
• Family
• Life Membership

Individual Membership

For an individual membership you at £76.80 for a year's membership which works out at a monthly at £6.40 a month. This is for an adult membership for those aged 26 and over.

For young persons, aged 18 to 25 it costs £38.40 for a year's membership.

They also offer junior accounts that cost £10 for the year and are for those ages 5 to 17. Note that under 5's go free.

Joint Membership

For two adults who are living at the same address, you can buy a joint membership that is for those who are over the age of 18. This costs £127.20 a year and works out to be £10.60 a month.

Family Membership

There are different options that are included within this membership. Firstly, you are able to buy one for 2 family adults that consist of 2 over 18's and their children (under 17).

Alternatively, you can also get a family membership for one adult and their children. An adult must be over 18 and the children must be 17 or younger. Note that both of these memberships include grandchildren.

Life Membership

If you are an avid visitor of the National Trust sites, then you may want to consider buying a life membership. There are a few options under the membership, which are:

• Individual - £1,845 (with one accompanying guest)
• Senior - £1,380 (one accompanying guest)
• Joint - £2,305 (two people living at one address)
• Joint Senior - £1,730 (two people living at one address)
• Family - £2,415 (two adults and their children)

If you are wondering what is included within your membership then you can visit National Trust Memberships for more information.

However, below you can see some of the advantages listed below.

• Free entry to over 500 places that are under the National Trust care
• Free parking at these locations
• A National Trust handbook that includes plenty of information about the places under their care
• You will receive the National Trust magazine three times a year
• Access to the online member's area

How to Donate to the National Trust

As mentioned, donations are an integral part of the National Trust and it helps them to carry out their important and necessary work. On the website, you are able to follow through to their donation page where you can choose to give either a one-off payment or contribute monthly to their cause.

You are allowed to choose how much you donate and decide how you would like your donation to be used. For example, you can choose from 'where the need is greatest which means that your donation will go towards the area of conservation that needs it the most.

Additionally, you can also choose the coast, Nature and wildlife, Gardens, and Buildings and Collections. There is also a section that allows you to write in your favourite place and donate your money to them.

If you are looking to do this as part of a gift then you can donate in memory of someone or celebrate their social occasion. Once you fill out a brief information form then you can confirm and pay your donation.

The National Trust - Dog Walks

It is highly likely that those who like to explore the outside would like to do so with their furry companions. The National Trust have a variety of different dog-friendly trails across their many sites.

It is always helpful to consult with the staff before you decide to bring your dog with you, however, a popular dog walk is The Teign Gorge. It provides them with acres of land to explore, but dogs must be kept on their leads at all times.

You cannot bring your dogs inside the castle, but the walks and routes are open to you and your pet. This does not include the exception of assistance dogs. With each site being a nature preserve, it is important that you take the necessary steps to ensure your dog does not disrupt the wildlife in the area in which you are visiting.

Always take note of the signs that will direct you on where you can and cannot go with your dogs.

What to Expect With Dog-Friendly Walks

Dog-friendly walking areas will be equipped with ways to make your and your furry companions' experience that much better. You can expect to find the necessary items such as water, dog bowls and leads around the trails that enhance your walking experience.

You are welcome to bring water for your animals, but water bowls will be dotted around the dog-friendly paths.

Additionally, if you are wanting to bring your dogs to places where you can eat, then you can visit some of the dog-friendly cafes that are within walking locations. You can find maps around your trails that will provide you with further information. If you are a member of the National Trust then your handbook will include information about dog-friendly locations under the National Trust.

Note that all assistant dogs are welcome in all locations.

Working in partnership with Forthglade, the National Trust has created a Canine Code that lets visitors know the rules when bringing their dogs to the sites. Their code is as follows:

• Take the lead - This refers to ensuring that your dogs are kept on their leads at all times. It reduces the risk of incidents with other dogs. You also want to ensure the protection of wildlife.
• Scoop that poop - As with other places, you will be expected to pick up your dog's waste and where there is a bin, place it inside. In the instance, there is not a bin, take the waste home with you.
• Paws for thought - This step ensures that you are thinking about whether you are in the right place with your dog. Keep an eye out for signs to ensure that you are not going to places where dogs are not allowed.
• Be on the ball - You need to ensure that your dog is not running up to other people as they may not want to interact with your pet.

In all these instances, you are expected to be vigilant, but still enjoy the outside with your dog! To ensure that the abovementioned steps can be as accurately carried out as possible, the partnership has created a system that allows for dog-friendly places to be fit into a rating system. This is as followed:

Best: Three Pawprints - Places that have been rated three pawprints are the best places to visit with your dog. You can bring them to most areas within that location, including cafes and dog-friendly zones.

Good: Two Pawprints - This means that some, but not all areas are dog friendly. You will still be provided with water bowls and dog-friendly areas, but there will be areas where your pet is not welcome.

Standard: One Pawprint - At these locations, your dogs are welcome, but where they can go will be limited.

Their website provides an extensive information section about your dogs and their visit to the National Trust sites. You can find some of the best places to walk your dogs in locations such as East England, North-East England, the Lake District, Northern Ireland, South East and North West and the Midlands.

If you are wanting to find more information on where you can take your dog on walks in and around the locations under the National Trust, click here to visit their website: Best Places for Dog Walking - The National Trust