MORE than 200,000 people across Wales are now members of the National Trust.

Membership within Wales has reached an all-time high - just as the conservation charity celebrates its 125th anniversary of protecting and caring for places of historic interest and natural beauty for the benefit of the nation.

Membership uptake in Wales has doubled in the past nine years from 100,000 members in 2011 to over 200,000 in 2020 - with postal districts in Wrexham, east Flintshire and Cardiff home to the most supporters.

Family group (two adults and their children or grandchildren), joint (two adults) and joint pensioner (two adults, senior concession) are the three most popular membership types in Wales - accounting for 80 per cent of all members.

Free access to the charity’s castles, houses, gardens, heritage sites and 157 miles of coastline are just some of the benefits that members can enjoy in Wales, as well as entry to hundreds more places in England and Northern Ireland, with every visit enabling the organisation to continue its vital work at these locations.

In 2019, members living in Wales visited the region’s properties more than 420,000 times - whilst generating over £1m for conservation.

Dyffryn Gardens in the Vale of Glamorgan was the most visited property by Wales members last year, followed by Bodnant Garden in Conwy, Erddig and Chirk Castle in Wrexham and Powis Castle in Welshpool.

Dilys Wyn Jones, National Trust Wales’ member promotion consultant, said: “More people than ever before in Wales are enjoying what the National Trust has to offer, from our castles and coastline to our mountains and mansion houses.

“As a charity, we rely on membership subscriptions to help us care for nature, beauty and history, and we’re delighted to be celebrating 200,000 members in Wales during our 125th anniversary year.

“Thank you for supporting our cause and for doing your bit to protect hundreds of special places for everyone, for ever.”

The National Trust has over 5.8 million members and expects to welcome its six millionth member in 2020.

For more information about the National Trust in Wales and membership, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk