The National Trust

The National Trust (NT) is a charity, completely independent of Government.  They rely on voluntary donations to ensure unique and beautiful places in England and Wales are protected forever, for everyone. They are responsible for: 

• 700 miles of coastline and 200 historic houses

• 252,000 hectares of countryside, within Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty 

• 47,000 volunteers

 

• Only 1 in 5 NT properties is self funding.  The rest rely on voluntary income to cover their costs, and there is a project backlog of over £300 million

• It costs c£3,000 per mile to conserve the coast path each year

The steps down to Bedruthan Steps beach and the surrounding footpaths (which are a short walk across the cliff top from the hotel) are very vulnerable to damage by winter storms.  Each year they are broken to a greater or lesser extent (depending on the direction and ferocity of the storms) and require repairs in the spring to make the beach accessible again. Work may include completely remaking some of the lower steps, securing rock adjoining the route via rock anchoring, clearing debris dislodged by winter storms from behind protective mesh armouring and replacing safety handrails.  

It costs an average of £10,000 to undertake these repairs each year, however the NT say that “although finding the money each year is hard work, we think it’s worth it as it enables visitors to enjoy this spectacular beach and the walks above it.  If we didn’t do the work, the steps would close and the beach would be inaccessible.” Therefore, Scarlet guest donations will go specifically to help with these repairs.

At The Scarlet we are pleased to have teamed up with the NT in order to help provide funding for the stretch of coastline on our doorstep, and we are now looking forward to working on a number of events and voluntary support programmes to further engage with and enhance our surroundings.

National Trust contact information: 

For further information please visit the National Trust website or contact our Sustainability Manager on sustainability@scarlethotel.co.uk or (01637) 861203.