National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty

The National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty, usually known as The National Trust, is an organisation which works to preserve and protect coastline, countryside and buildings in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The trust does not operate in Scotland, where there is an independent National Trust for Scotland.

Governance and funding

The Trust is constituted by the National Trust Acts 1907–1971, but it is a private charity rather than a government institution (English Heritage and its equivalents in other parts of the United Kingdom are government bodies which perform some functions which overlap with the work of the National Trust). The Acts grant the Trust the unique statutory right to declare land inalienable—which prevents the land from being sold or mortgaged against the Trust's wishes without parliamentary intervention.

Related Topics:
National Trust Acts - 1907 - 1971 - English Heritage - Inalienable

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The Trust is one of the largest membership organisations in the world, with over three million members, whose annual subscriptions are its most important source of income. There is a separate organisation called the Royal Oak Foundation for American supporters. The members elect the council of the National Trust, and may propose and vote on motions at the annual general meeting.

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At an operational level the trust is organised into regions which are aligned with the official local government regions. Its headquarters are in London, but much of its administration is carried out in Wiltshire to save costs.

Related Topics:
London - Wiltshire

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For the year ended 28 February 2005, the Trust's total income was £315 million, or £253.1 million excluding the costs of its "Enterprises" division. The largest sources of this £253.1 million were: membership subscriptions 36%; legacies 20%; rents 10%; other investment income 10%. Expenses included £91.4 million for routine property maintenance costs and £61.4 million for capital projects.

Related Topics:
28 February - 2005

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The Trust's investment fund was over £715 million, not counting the substantial value of the farms and properties on its country estates. Most of this is in tied funds which support specific properties and projects.

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