The National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty, commonly known simply as the National Trust, is an independent charity and membership organisation for environmental and heritage conservation in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The trust describes itself as "a charity that works to preserve and protect historic places and spaces—for ever, for everyone". The trust was founded in 1895 and given statutory powers, starting with the National Trust Act 1907. Historically, the Trust acquired land by gift and sometimes by public subscription and appeal, but after WW 2 the loss of English country houses, resulted in many such properties being acquired either by gift from the former owners, or through the National Land Fund later the National Heritage Memorial Fund and the National Lottery. Country Houses and Estates which still make up a significant part of its holdings, but it also known for its protection of wild landscapes such as in the Lake District and Peak District, historic urban properties, and nature reserves Wicken Fen. In Scotland, there is an separate and independent National Trust for Scotland.
The National Trust has a unique special power to prevent its inalienable land being sold off, although this can be over-ridden by Parliament proceedure.The National Trust has been the beneficiary of many large donations and bequests. It owns over 500 heritage properties, which includes many historic houses and gardens, industrial monuments, and social history sites. Most of these are open to the public, usually for a charge. Others are leased to tenants on terms that manage to preserve their character whilst providing for more limited public access.
