Supporter groups in the North East

Visitors helping to plant snowdrops at Wallington. — Enjoy talks and tours of special places | © National Trust Images/James Beck

Join a supporter group in the North East and meet with other National Trust members and volunteers who feel passionate about the same things you do. There are five groups in the area to choose from.

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.

County Durham Centre

The County Durham Centre was established in 1970 to promote and actively assist the National Trust.

The activities of the Centre enable contributions of about £3,000 on average each year to be made to projects at National Trust places in the North East, including:

Lindisfarne Castle

Wallington

Gibside

Washington Old Hall

Souter Lighthouse & The Leas

Volunteers working in the Walled Garden at Gibside, Tyne & Wear, North East — Volunteers working in the Walled Garden at Gibside | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Northumbria National Trust Volunteer Group

Northumbria National Trust Volunteer Group supports the National Trust by carrying out practical outdoor conservation tasks at places in the Northumbria region, covering Northumberland, Tyne and Wear and County Durham.

Tyne Valley Association

The Tyne Valley Association was established in 1991 to provide a forum for those wishing to learn more about the National Trust. Members of the National Trust and Scottish National Trust as well as volunteers are welcome into the group.

They mainly draw members from South East Northumberland but some come from Newcastle and North Northumberland and they are happy to welcome anyone who is prepared to travel to Hexham where they meet.

They support all properties within the North East with donations and the provision of volunteers. Over the last few years, they've provided financial support for:

Wallington

Cragside

The Northumberland Coast

Lindisfarne Castle

The Farne Islands

During the winter months they arrange monthly talks. During the summer, they offer day trips and a three-to-four-night holiday further afield. They’re a friendly group and make anyone joining them very welcome.

Tree planting on the estate at Wallington, Northumberland — Tree planting on the estate at Wallington | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Tyneside Association

The Tyneside Association, based in Newcastle upon Tyne, has a wide range of activities arranged for its membership.

They organise a winter lecture programme which takes place on the second Thursday of each month at 2PM at Brunswick Methodist Church in the centre of Newcastle upon Tyne and covers a variety of heritage topics.

Other opportunities to socialise include the various day outings and events that are arranged by the voluntary committee through the summer. Members are particularly keen on the four-or five-day holiday that usually takes place in May.

If you live in this area and would like to be part of this friendly group do get in touch – you would be made very welcome.

Friends of Washington Old Hall

The Friends of Washington Old Hall help to care for Washington Old Hall. This group has played an integral part in preserving this special place for future generations. Members recognise the historical and environmental importance of Washington Old Hall and promote it as a centre for community activity and educational opportunity.