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Spring 2020 was an extraordinary moment in time for the National Trust. We had to close for the first time in our 125-year history. I was hugely relieved when we were allowed to reopen in May, at a time when the nation was desperately in need of access to green space, fresh air and nature. Since then, we have welcomed millions of visitors. Despite the complications that come with keeping places open safely, they have been profoundly kind, co-operative, and patient.

But away from the green spaces and open skies, our national debate is anything but that breath of fresh air. At a time when we most need understanding and tolerance, some of our oldest institutions have become a battleground in the so-called culture wars.

In organisations such as the National Trust, which millions of people care about and some of our fiercest critics are those who care a great deal there will always be disagreement about how progress is to be made. We welcome debate thats part of being a membership organisation. But the polarisation of views and quality of debate right now feels different.

The Trust is custodian of so much that is great about this country art, architecture, history, landscapes, nature and wildlife. Its one of Britains greatest success stories. Other countries depend on the state to cherry-pick and protect their heritage. The Trust, as an independent charity, cares for a whole panoply of sites of national pride from where Magna Carta was sealed to the White Cliffs of Dover.

While we stay out of politics, organisations like the Trust can also be instrumental in supporting national policies. We are creating or restoring 25,000 hectares of habitat for nature by 2025, directly contributing to goals set out in the Governments 25 Year Environment Plan. When it comes to creative exports, our places have been host to some of the biggest blockbusters filmed in the UK, from Star Wars to Game of Thrones.

In recent months I have had many hundreds of letters and emails expressing all kinds of views about the many decisions we make every day from passionate support to vicious threats. Its the same on social media.

But the vast majority of our 5.6 million members have been engaged elsewhere. They are the real silent majority. When I am out and about at National Trust sites they are not arguing about the Trust. They are there to enjoy their surroundings. They are giving their volunteer hours to the conservation of our shared heritage.

Upsetting anyone is a matter of regret for me. Our founders wrote that we exist for the benefit of the nation. I take that seriously and I would never want anyone to feel at odds with an institution that is there to serve them. The Trust indeed any cultural organisation should be a place where people can find common ground. A place where debate can be had without rancour.

We damage or turn away from our shared spaces and cultural institutions at everyones peril. To recover from this oppressive pandemic we will need more than scientific genius. We will need art and culture, parks and wilderness. We will need to wonder again at the world around us. Above all we will need co-operation, calm and kindness.

Hilary McGrady is Director General of the National Trust

See more here:
The National Trust is more than a battleground for the nation's culture wars - Telegraph.co.uk