The National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty (commonly, the National Trust) is an independent conservation charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It acquires, protects and manages historic houses, gardens, archaeological sites, and extensive areas of countryside and coastline for public benefit, maintaining places of cultural, architectural and natural significance and providing public access.
Funded primarily through memberships, admissions, donations and trading at its properties, the Trust works with landowners, tenants, local authorities and national agencies to deliver heritage conservation, habitat restoration and sustainable land management. Its custodianship and planning engagement often intersect with infrastructure and natural resources activities, where it assesses impacts on protected landscapes and heritage assets. The National Trust is separate from the National Trust for Scotland.
