National Trust vows to protect green space

The National Trust has pledged that it will start taking a more aggressive stance on helping the environment, by protecting green spaces in urban and rural areas.

An in depth consultation with its membership and the public found that 94% of Brits want the trust to get more involved in protecting the UK’s green spaces.

The trust’s new no nonsense approach will bring it into conflict with the government as it starts to challenge government policy on eco-towns, housing developments on greenfield land, and airport expansion.

National Trust chairman Sir William Proby said the trust will start working alongside communities and organisations, empowering them to affect change, rather than simply buying land to stop it being developed.

Proby said the feedback from supporters and the public showed that what people want is for the trust to work in partnership with communities to look after their green spaces.

The consultation also found that members would like the trust to share its experience and skills in managing green spaces with local councils.

One in four of those surveyed in urban areas were found to be living in ‘green poverty’, having access to less than three green spaces.

Green space most valued by the public includes coastlines, beaches, parks, and wild open spaces.

Wild open spaces and woodland are considered the most at risk spaces.

The National Trust is the biggest voluntary organisation in Europe. It has 3.5 million members in the UK and is one the country’s largest land owners.