Stimulate your spiritual appetite and enjoy 'Your Time' with National Trust

With over 52,000 members, and 2.65million* visitors to the magnificent places and spaces here last year, the conservation charity is looking to further secure its position and relevance as the number 1 region for 'visitor experience'. **

In a number of weeks the charity will begin works on the replacement 18.5million Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre at the region's only World Heritage Site. The project, which will further enhance Northern Ireland's main tourism asset, was recently given a significant boost when Heritage Lottery Fund granted 3million. This will add to the 4million already committed by the National Trust, and with a decision on the 9.25million bid into Government imminent, the project is moving at a pace. A 2.25million fundraising campaign 'A Giant Cause' to secure the remaining shortfall required has already raised over 210,000. Details of the campaign are available at www.agiantcause.com

Reflecting on the extraordinary visitor numbers last year, Hilary McGrady, Director for Northern Ireland, said:

"Last year was a tough year for so many people with the challenging economy and employment landscape. Thankfully, the Trust was there to act as a peaceful and restful antidote. We are thrilled that so many people visited, and that our membership numbers continue to grow here. More than 8,000 people became members last year, helping us to further care for special places forever, and our volunteers, who are the life blood of the organisation, continued to grow to over 4000."

"Whilst in the year ahead, we are strongly focused on starting works at the Giant's Causeway; we remain committed to ensuing that all of our places and spaces continue to provide great days out. We believe that the values at the heart of the Trust's work – beauty, quality, authenticity, local distinctiveness, access, inclusion and conservation – are needed more than ever."

Looking to the Trust's plans in the year ahead, Hilary added;

"In the year ahead we will continue to invest in our properties and in the region. We will open a new exhibition on the Londonderry Coach at Mount Stewart, create a new exhibition of Lady Bond's costumes at The Argory, undertake conservation and restoration works at Mount Stewart's gardens in line with the vision of Lady Edith, open 'Men's Way' apartment at Florence Court, see the publication of a Divis and Black Mountain history, create more allotments across the region, and commence a further 5 year plan to restore more holiday cottages here. We will also enhance many of our events with new events planned across the region too."

During 2010 the National Trust aims to inspire supporters to continue to eat and buy local and seasonal food, adapt to the impacts of climate change, raise awareness of hidden nature as part of International Year of Biodiversity and work with local communities to bring Trust places to life - so that everyone feels part of this wonderful environmental charity.

Looking after the amazing places in the Trust's care is a huge challenge. Staff, volunteers and tenants are engaged daily in providing access to open spaces, improving habitats for wildlife and protecting our built and natural environment.

"We are committed to looking after our properties, yet conservation costs rise faster than inflation every year. We want to encourage involvement, participation and discussion at every level of our work, from the hanging of a portrait or planting a garden, through management of our great landscapes and acquiring places at risk, to the choices over how we influence public policy or engage people in business in tackling climate change. We want people not only to join us but also to 'join in'." concluded Hilary.

A 'Bonus' weekend, this spring, will offer visitors the opportunity to explore National Trust mansions, gardens, coast and countryside for free. Visitors will be able to enjoy the uniqueness, beauty and shared sense of pride and belonging that these wonderful places provide for members and supporters.

National Trust mansion properties in Northern Ireland open for the 2010 season on 13 March 2010, open spaces remain open all year.

Full information, including opening arrangements and details of over 200 events are available at www.nationaltrust.org.uk or contact Regional Office on 028 9751 0721.