Supporter groups in Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds

Visitors trying on historic helmets inside Snowshill Manor, Gloucestershire — Exploring the collection at Snowshill Manor and Garden | © National Trust Images / James Dobson

These friendly and welcoming groups in Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds give you the opportunity to take part in fulfilling outdoor work, enjoy special interest talks, visits, holidays and other social activities whilst supporting local National Trust places. Read on to find your nearest group or click on a supporter group’s name in the menu to jump to their details.

Why join a supporter group?

Getting together with other National Trust enthusiasts, members and volunteers who feel passionate about the same things is priceless. Sharing unique experiences and finding out more about the places you care about is what being part of a local National Trust supporter group is all about.

From listening to expert talks and going on behind-the-scenes tours to taking relaxing holidays or restoring natural habitats in the great outdoors, you’ll be part of something amazing. Supporter groups promote and assist the National Trust’s work within their local area and raise money for conservation and development projects through all kinds of events.

Cheltenham ANTS (Active National Trust Squad) National Trust volunteer group

Cheltenham's National Trust volunteer group - the ANTS - is based in the Cheltenham and Gloucester area and has been working at National Trust sites for more than 40 years.

Most of their work takes place at countryside properties and they’ve recently visited:

Dovers Hill (near Chipping Campden)

Littleworth Wood (Snowshill)

Haresfield

Sherborne Estate (near Northleach)

Woodchester Park

Crickley Hill

Newark Park (near Wotton-under-Edge)

Westbury Court Garden

Rodborough Common.

Their workdays usually take place every third Sunday. All tools are provided; all that you need to bring along are thorn- proof gloves, waterproof clothing, good boots and enough food and drink for the day.

The north facade of Chastleton House, Oxfordshire | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

North Cotswold Association

The North Cotswold Association was founded in 1988 and has around 240 members living in the North Cotswold Area, stretching from Shipston-on-Stour in the north to Northleach in the south, and from Chipping Norton in the east to Broadway in the west.

Members enjoy regular coach outings to various places of interest including National Trust properties and other historic houses and gardens. They also arrange the occasional holiday.

In addition, they offer a programme of talks by local and national experts at Broadwell Village Hall in the winter months on a variety of subjects, together with other social and fundraising events throughout the year.

Volunteers helping to create steps in the woodland at Chedworth Roman Villa, Gloucestershire — Volunteers creating steps in the woodland at Chedworth Roman Villa | © National Trust Images / James Dobson

Upper Thames and Ridgeway Association

If you are a National Trust member or volunteer you will be most welcome to join the Upper Thames and Ridgeway National Trust Association. The area they serve stretches from the Cotswolds in the North to the Marlborough Downs in the South and includes Cirencester, Lechlade, Highworth and Swindon.

Formed in 1983, membership is rising steadily and now numbers well over 400. They are unique in having the Trust’s head office, Heelis, in the middle of their area. Several of their members work there as volunteers in a variety of roles.

Over the years they’ve made significant financial donations to National Trust projects. Recent beneficiaries have been:

Lacock Abbey

Buscot and Coleshill

Hidcote Manor Garden

Heelis

Chedworth Roman Villa.