Earth Equity News

UK's Genteel Custodian of Grand Houses to Become Champion of Green Spaces. By Valley Elliot, London Times, October 29, 2008. "[Britain's] National Trust is to take up an aggressive eco-stance to protect green spaces and prevent desecration of the countryside. The trust, one of the country's biggest landowners, has decided to shift its focus to become the leading champion for the protection of green fields -- a move that puts it on a collision course with the Government over housebuilding, development of eco-towns and the proposed expansions of Heathrow and Stansted airports. The tough new position announced today by the trust, which is the biggest voluntary organisation in Europe with 3.5 million members, follows a year-long consultation of its membership and polling of the public. It signals a dramatic shift from the trust as genteel custodian of grand historic houses to warrior-like defender of green spaces that improve the lives of most citizens. The approach is part of the legacy envisaged by Sir William Proby, chairman of the trust, who steps down at the annual general meeting next weekend. The vision also has the backing of Sir Simon Jenkins, a former Editor of The Times, who is to take over as chairman."