|
Back to ENVIRONMENT Homepage
Discontent with the National Trust
expressed in BBC TV 2 Programme
Editorial
Filed 15 Jan 04
© www.land-care.org.uk
The BBC is running a major ten-part TV series
that lifts the lid off the National Trust. It has been filmed over
two of the most stressful years in its more than 100-year-old life.
The first part, which was shown last night on
BBC 2, began with a middle-class revolt on the south coast of England:
namely Studland Bay in Dorset. This is home to sandy beaches, a
Georgian mansion, 8,000 hectares of prime land and a growing number
of locals disgruntled with the landowning National Trust.
Dog owners, yachtsmen, horse riders, café
owners and nudists all claimed their stake in the local community
while the Trust's property manager struggled to deal with widespread
local anger and disillusionment with the organisation.
It was apparent that the National Trust had fallen
into the trap of being the new version of a particularly unpopular
landlord.
The BBC are to be congratulated on highlighting
the autocratic attitude of those in the National Trust who think
they know best as to what is good for us and for our environment.
Although the location for this particular programme
was in England, many would say the same problems are prevalent in
Scotland.
What is the point of having the National Trust
if it fails to gain the trust of the people whom it is supposed
to be serving? Perhaps it is time for a closer look as to how the
National Trust is organised and how it operates.
© www.land-care.org.uk
|
