National Trust Director: Ethnic Groups Lack Confidence in Countryside Experience
National Trust Director General Hilary McGrady has warned that many people from ethnic backgrounds feel the countryside is not for them. She made the comments during an interview on LBC Drive with Tom Swarbrick on March 23, 2026.
Barriers to visiting the countryside
McGrady said visitors report a lack of confidence when visiting rural spaces. She added the trust accepts those accounts and feels compelled to respond with support.
Reasons for the reluctance vary, she explained. They include cultural unfamiliarity and uncertainty about dress, behaviour and the countryside code.
Terminology and responses
The charity recently adopted the term “global majority” in place of “ethnic minority”. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch criticised the change, calling it anti-white rhetoric.
McGrady said the choice followed research showing the new wording was preferred. She described the shift as a respectful response to people’s expressed preferences.
The phrase National Trust Director: Ethnic Groups Lack Confidence in Countryside Experience has been used to summarise the issue. McGrady said the trust aims to help people feel welcome and able to access outdoor sites.
Campaign to tackle nature’s decline
The National Trust has launched a rare national campaign urging the public to contact MPs. The appeal seeks urgent government action to halt what the charity calls nature’s “freefall”.
McGrady stressed the campaign was not started lightly. It asks members and the wider public to press for stronger conservation measures.
Polling and public priorities
A survey of 4,000 people, conducted by More in Common for the trust, underpins the campaign. It found restoring nature matters to voters across the political spectrum.
- Nature and the countryside ranked second only to the NHS for national pride.
- Many respondents believe the government cares less about nature than the public does.
- Proposals to weaken wildlife protections in planning were unpopular with voters.
State of the environment
The trust warns the UK is among the world’s most nature-depleted countries. It cites millions fewer birds than in past decades and poor river health.
Only 14% of English rivers meet good ecological standards, the charity says. Recent government comments describing species such as bats, snails and newts as “blockers” have intensified concerns.
This is the first public campaign of this kind from the organisation in 15 years. Filmogaz.com will follow developments as the trust presses for policy change and wider access to the countryside.
