The National Trust’s overall declining membership should be taken against the backdrop of growing visitors (25.9m in 2025, up from 25.3m in 2024), and a rise in younger members (a 39 per cent growth year-on-year). A spokesman for the National Trust also pointed out “independent polling shows the National Trust is one of the most trusted national institution in the country” and says that 92 per cent of its volunteers would recommend volunteering with the organisation.
Still, overall declining membership is something that needs addressing. Bosses have previously put it down to the cost of living crisis. No doubt this is a factor. But if you read the comments posted beneath articles about the National Trust (including, dare I predict, this one), you will see that a fair number have cancelled their memberships due to its left-leaning policies.
“Many members of the National Trust have become disillusioned and given up their membership,” says Cornelia van der Poll of Restore Trust. “We encourage members to stay and use their vote. The National Trust is responsible for a large proportion of our historic buildings open to the public, and we cannot afford to give up on so much of our heritage.”
The way we talk about Britain’s story – about Empire, industrialisation, race, religion – has always been complex. But it is in everyone’s interest for today’s debate over our nation’s heritage to roar on, within the thatched roofs, stone walls, storm-lashed castles and ornate ballrooms where British history was made.
We must take the red pen to the National Trust, but ensure we do not rip the fabric of its existence in the process.
