Celebrate our shared collective heritage and support those willing to have difficult conversations about our history by joining the national trust today!

The national trust is a fantastic organisation, and quite unique in the world being the biggest conservation charity in Europe and one of the biggest in the world.

They look after the UK’s coastline, historic sites, countryside and green spaces, ensuring everyone benefits.

On 23rd August the national trust marked the UNESCO day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, by taking a closer look at the places they care for with direct or indirect links to slavery, including objects made from materials obtained by forced labour.

It was factual, respectful and exactly the kind of conversations we should be having. I didn’t find the thread to be judgemental but just an honest consideration of some of the darker aspects of our history.

You can read the full thread on twitter and the supporting statement on their website.

Regretfully some people were upset about this and have subsequently threatened to cancel their national trust membership.

I’m not going to focus on the mostly ignorant and occasionally hateful responses, but what I would say is this:

If you want to encourage honest and frank reflections about our nation’s links to slavery and colonialism by the national trust, then join up and write to them to let them know why. Or if membership isn’t your bag, just get in touch with the national trust to let them know you appreciate their efforts.

To remember the words of Martin Luther King, Jr:

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that”

Be the love. Show your support for the National Trust today!