2015 Conference themes

The 2015 Cambridge Conference will explore the following themes: 

i) Cultural identity: In a fast-changing globalising world, our inheritance from the past becomes ever more important as a signpost to the future. But how can we ensure that cultural heritage remains relevant and accessible to modern audiences?  The particular areas for exploration include: meeting the needs and expectations of today’s visitor; using the past to engage with contemporary issues; identifying ‘spirit of place’ and interpretation.

 ii) Land and Landscape: Within the broad purposes of the National Trusts, delegates will explore the responsibilities and opportunities that arise from the ownership and stewardship of land and landscape, including landscape-scale conservation; adapting land management to a changing climate; food production through sustainable farming; working with rivers and the coast; community energy and renewables.

 iii) Growing the movement: The not-for-profit sector faces an ever-challenging set of circumstances in which to survive and prosper. Yet new circumstances also bring new opportunities for growing the support base for the National Trust movement.  Workshops will explore growing and retaining a membership base; communicating brand and cause; our role as campaigners; techniques for fundraising; working with volunteers and developing a business model.