National Trust nears 900 miles of protected coastline on 60th anniversary of fundraising campaign - National Trust
Almost 900 miles of coastline in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are now protected for the nation thanks to the generosity of the UK public, the National Trust has announced.
As a result of new detailed mapping, the charity can reveal that it looks after 896 miles of coast, over 10% of the total coastline of the three countries, on behalf of the nation.
The news comes on the 60th anniversary of the Trust's major coast campaign, Enterprise Neptune, which is one of the longest-running environmental campaigns in Europe, and regarded as among the most successful endeavours in the charity's 130-year history.
Since its inception in 1965 to address the rising threat of overdevelopment of the coast, the campaign has raised over £114m through donations, many of which have been left as gifts in people’s wills. Three quarters of the 896 miles cared for by the Trust since its founding in 1895 have been acquired through Enterprise Neptune.
The Trust is also marking the anniversary by announcing its latest coastal acquisition – a stretch of grassland in Swanage, Dorset, which fills the final 'gap' in an important length of coastline cared for by the charity.
Hilary McGrady, Director-General of the National Trust, said: "This extraordinary coming together of public generosity over 60 years means the UK coast is one of the best protected in the world. To reach 900 miles - or almost! - is testament to everyone who has been part of this enduring campaign. Generations of people have left gifts in their wills, or given money in memory of a loved one, or simply wanted to protect a place they love. Every donation has a reason behind it, and together they tell an incredible story about the UK public's affinity with its coastline. It's because of this shared endeavour that we can all freely access and enjoy the White Cliffs of Dover, the inlets of Cornwall and the North Antrim coast, and our Pembrokeshire headlands. In fact, it is hard to imagine what our coastline would look like without Neptune.”
Posted On: 30/05/2025
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