Board of Trustees' reflections on AGM resolutions

Plant-based food choices at catering outlets

Members' resolution to adopt a policy of serving a minimum 50% plant-based food choices at catering outlets.

Board of Trustees’ response

Members voted to carry this resolution at the AGM, and the Board of Trustees is upholding that outcome. Our national offer will increase from its current levels of 40% plant-based choices to 50%. Please note, the actual percentage will vary by site based on visitor demand and operational capacity.

Dairy, eggs, and meat will stay on the menu. The Trust will keep working with farmers whose practices benefit nature and climate, including our own tenants where possible.

Strengthening the response to the climate and ecological emergency

Members' resolution to strengthen the response to the climate and ecological emergency by directing greater resources to mitigate biodiversity loss, and by investing more in measures that work with nature to build resilience to heat stress and extreme weather events across the landed estate in our care.

Board of Trustees’ response

Members voted to carry this resolution at the AGM, and the Board of Trustees is upholding that outcome. We recognise and welcome the support of the membership in facing the great challenge of our time, and the National Trust will act, as it has always done, on behalf of the nation.

As a major landowning organisation we have an opportunity to demonstrate what can be done. We are working to restore river catchments, repair peatlands, and create new woodlands – both nature and human society are served by this work. 

The largest source of greenhouse gas emissions on our own land comes from modern intensive farming. Supporting our tenants in moving to resilient farming systems which are low in emissions, nature-rich and adapted to extreme weather will be a priority.

Support for the Climate & Nature Bill

Members' resolution to strengthen the response to the worsening climate-nature crisis by supporting the cross-party backed Climate and Nature Bill. The proposers asked that we lend our support for this Private Members' Bill and play a full role in advocating for policies that will better protect the places we love for current and future generations.

Board of Trustees’ response

Members voted to carry this resolution at the AGM, and since that date the Climate & Nature Bill has been introduced to Parliament as a Private Member’s Bill. The Board of Trustees position remains to support the spirit of the Bill and efforts to strengthen regulation which accelerates action on both nature and climate together, although we would like to see an approach that creates a more integrated legislative framework.

Since the AGM we have been engaging with the MP and organisations leading the Bill, ahead of its Second Reading in Parliament in January 2025.