About the National Trust
2009/2010 was a very memorable year for the National Trust. We broke records for membership, volunteering and income generation. However, if we've learned anything over the past century, it's that we can't afford to stand still. By empowering our people, and working hard to involve everyone – that’s everyone – in our work, we can find new and exciting ways to bring our national heritage to life.
Today we're Europe's largest conservation charity, with some 3.8 million members, around 4,500 staff and 61,000 vital volunteers. We welcome over 50 million visitors every year to over 700 miles of coast, more than 250,000 hectares of countryside, and over 350 historic houses, gardens, nature reserves and parks.
But our responsibilities go far beyond the boundaries of our estate. We are at the centre of debate about the wider environment around us, from climate change to rural regeneration, food and farming to conservation. So, as the world around us changes, so must we. That's why many of our properties are installing renewable energy and finding ingenious ways to save carbon. Our restaurants and tea rooms are using local suppliers and artisans, making the most of fresh, local, seasonal produce. We're also reaching out to new audiences, people who've never even imagined visiting one of our properties. That's why it's such an exciting time to be joining us.
While we've achieved a great deal and we've come a long way, there's still so much more we want to do. Our governance volunteers are crucial in helping and guiding us, so that we can achieve greater things. Volunteers like you.