Supporter groups in Somerset

Visitors walking through Truckle Wood, Tyntesfield | © National Trust Images/Alana Wright

Join a supporter group in Somerset and meet with other National Trust members and volunteers who feel passionate about the same things you do. There are five groups in the county 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.

Blackmore Vale and Yeovil Association

The Blackmore Vale and Yeovil Association was founded in 1978 and currently has around 370 members in the area between Crewkerne and Shaftesbury, and Castle Cary and Sturminster Newton.

Membership is open to anyone who is interested in supporting their work, you do not have to be a member of the National Trust.

The local National Trust places usually supported are:

Lytes Cary Manor

Montacute House

Stourhead

Tintinhull House Garden

The Association responds to requests from these properties for financial support to fund projects.

Volunteers sorting wildflower seed at Bath Skyline, Somerset | © National Trust Images/Rachel Beaumont

Wells and District Centre

Wells and District Centre was founded in 1975 and has members from Glastonbury, Street, Frome, Shepton Mallett and the local Wells area. Membership is open to members of the National Trust, affiliated organisations or holders of current National Trust volunteer cards.

They organise a lecture programme during the winter in Henton Village Hall on the third Saturday of the month.

There are also day visits to places of interest during the summer with coach picking up points in Glastonbury, Wells and Shepton Mallett.

The Centre currently supports the South West England Dry Stone Walling Association with funds to run courses on National Trust properties. These courses teach people how to dry stone wall, with the benefit to the Trust that walls are repaired during the session.

Volunteers making Christmas decorations at Tyntesfield, Somerset — Volunteers making Christmas decorations at Tyntesfield | © National Trust Images/Anna Kilcooley

West Somerset Association

The West Somerset Association was founded in 1982 and has around 340 members living in Minehead, Porlock, Dunster, Williton and the surrounding villages to Bridgwater, Taunton and Exmoor.

Their objectives are to promote and support the National Trust by arranging a programme of events and activities for our members’ participation and enjoyment to raise funds in support of National Trust projects. All National Trust members, employees or volunteer card holders are welcome to join.

Enjoyable fundraising events are organised in a programme of talks, outings, social functions and short holiday breaks.

These contribute to the facilities at our local properties, which include:

Dunster Castle

Coleridge Cottage

The Holnicote Estate

Weston-super-Mare and District Association

Weston-super-Mare and District Association exists to bring the charitable aims and work of the Trust to the notice of residents of North Somerset.

They make involvement with the National Trust more enjoyable and effective and in doing so raise money for its appeals, particularly for local places including:

Tyntesfield

Dyrham Park

Brean Down

Clevedon Court

A number of coach outings are run during the year, both in summer and winter, to interesting places out of our district. National Trust and private properties they have visited recently include Coleton Fishacre, Acorn Gardens, SS Gondola and Broughton Castle.

They also offer a full programme of lectures, outings and events and visitors are welcome to give it a go, so why not come along to their next event to see for yourself and experience our friendliness?