What Is The Symbol For The National Trust - Always Open?

The National Trust was founded in 1895 by three Victorian philanthropists - Miss Octavia Hill, Sir Robert Hunter and Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley. Concerned about the impact of uncontrolled development and industrialisation, they set up the Trust to act as a guardian for the nation in the acquisition and protection of threatened coastline, countryside and buildings.

Now the Trust manages hundreds of woods extending to 25,000ha (61,776 acres) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, including both some of the oldest woodland in these islands and, in some places, commercial conifer plantations which were established only during the twentieth century.

Their symbol, a sprig of oak leaves reflects the interest of the trust in protecting woodland, including ancient oak forests.

National Trust Properties and sites are open to the public, but are not always open. You need to check specific ones for opening times, which may be different in summer and winter.