We have worked with a range of large organisations across the country and The National Trust is one of them. The National Trust is an independent charity and membership organisation for environmental and heritage conservation in the United Kingdom.
Why did they choose The Traditional Company to work with them?
We initially won the contract at Osterley Park in Isleworth, after being specifically invited by the National Trust to view the Park. Once we had passed their stringent vetting procedure, we gained a position on the ‘Approved Suppliers’ list for the entire National Trust.
Osterley Park
At Osterley Park we worked closely with the Lead Ranger and tenant farmer to make sure the job ran as smoothly as possible and to ensure the safety of the public whilst we were working and welding. We started with removing and recycling the existing fence. The area we were installing was barriered off to the general public so our staff could work productively and uninterrupted. The brief was to reinstate the Traditional Estate Fence and install some additional gates. We installed 1600 meters of our Burghley Estate Fencing which was galvanised and installed in the original fence’s position.
Mottisfont
Following on from Osterley Park we were back with the National Trust in Hampshire at Mottisfont’s new visitor centre. It is an architecturally and historically sensitive site on the banks of the river test and is a Site of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI). The Welcome Centre has been awarded an RIBA South; which is an award given to buildings which are recognised as significant contributors to architecture. We were asked to install 85 meters of our Burghley Estate Fencing before the centre opened, this meant we could work quickly and efficiently without disturbing the general public who would have been visiting.
Knole
From Mottisfont our next National Trust job was at Knole, a 1,000 acre deer park located in West Kent. The house ranks in the top five of England’s largest houses. Here we were asked to install a bespoke Deer Fence 1.8m tall incorporating a deer fence kissing gate. This was to replace the unsightly mesh wire fence that was originally there. We painted the Fence Knole Estate Blue which is their specific colour used across the estate.
Shugborough Estate
Our latest job was at Shugborough Estate in Staffordshire. This magnificent estate was allocated to the National Trust in 1960 but was immediately leased to Staffordshire County Council. Management was only recently returned to the National Trust in 2016. We were tasked to assist a regeneration project by reinstating the estate railings. The timber stock fencing was removed and our Bespoke Estate Fencing with an extra lower rail and a D shaped handrail on top was installed.
We really enjoy working with organisations like the National Trust as we take great pride in being part of their journey. For those who would like to know more about the National Trust please see below the most popular questions.
What do the National Trust look after?
The National Trust is celebrating 125 years since it was founded by Octavia Hill, Robert Hunter and Hardwicke Rawnsley.
The National Trust protects and cares for special places so people and nature can enjoy and thrive for generations to come. It is Europes largest conservation charity, looking after nature, beauty and history. With millions of members and volunteers along with their dedicated staff, they care for miles of coastline, woodland, countryside and hundreds of historic buildings.
How do I volunteer for the National Trust
The National Trust has over 65,000 volunteers each caring for its natural beauty and history. With the current Covid-19 situation the National Trust staff and current volunteers have been working hard to safely open more places. At present they are unable to take on new volunteers but keep an eye on their website for the ever-changing opportunities once life is a little more ‘normal’.
Where can I get a National Trust Membership?
There are four types of membership, Joint, Family, Individual and Life Membership. With your membership, you will receive free entry, parking, a members handbook and the National Trust magazine three times a year.
You can either apply for your membership online or when you arrive at a National Trust site. Again with the current Covid-19 situation, it is currently online only at the moment.
What does a National Trust Ranger do?
The National Trust Ranger works managing the countryside, enabling people to access and enjoy it. The Rangers can turn their hands to a multitude of tasks from managing volunteers, using machinery to technical practical skills. All while carrying knowledge and a passion for environmental conservation. If you have considered becoming a Ranger keep an eye on their website for vacancies.
What is the National Trust to prevent climate change?
The National Trust has pledged to reduce its carbon footprint. They are tackling the causes of climate change by reducing their own emissions. The aim is by 2025 they will have created 25,000 hectares of new wildlife habitats. By 2021 50% of their energy needs will be met with renewable sources. The National Trust aims to become carbon net-zero by 2030.
