Encourage the propagation and conservation of cultivated plants in the British Isles; encourage and conduct research into cultivated plants, their origins, their historical and cultural importance and their environments; and encourage the education of the public in cultivated plant conservation. Through its membership and the National Collection Holders, the NCCPG seeks to rediscover and reintroduce cultivated plants by encouraging their propagation and distribution so that they are grown as widely as possible. The NCCPG works closely with other conservation bodies as well as botanic gardens, The National Trust, The National Trust for Scotland, English Heritage, The Royal Horticultural Society and many specialist horticultural societies.

Why does this matter?
The loss of our garden plants is a loss on many levels.

Historical
Garden plants are inextricably bound up with our cultural and social history. The cottage garden, the allotment, the clipped formality of the stately home have been founded on 'old-fashioned' varieties such as old pinks, florists' violas, tulips, Malmaison carnations, auriculas, lilacs and phlox.

Horticultural
Besides conserving these treasures for their own value, it is vital to retain the old 'blood stock' in order to cultivate new varieties; for example, to breed in a particular colour, scent or disease resistance.

Pharmaceutical
We are still discovering the unique medical and chemical properties of certain plants.

Many more may have healing properties which have yet to be revealed, which makes it even more important to preserve these precious natural resources.

What can be done about it?
The NCCPG National Plant Collections^® Scheme holds the key to these problems.

There are 450 National Collection holders in Britain, responsible for 650 National Plant Collections. Each collection is a 'living plant library' dedicated to a specific genus, be it roses, cotoneasters or hydrangea. The holders collect plants, grow them, propagate them and make them available to the public, research the plants' history, record the plants' details, and make their knowledge available to the wider public.

The National Trust was founded in 1895 by three Victorian philanthropists - Miss Octavia Hill, Sir Robert Hunter and Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley. Concerned about the impact of uncontrolled development and industrialisation, they set up the Trust to act as a guardian for the nation in the acquisition and protection of threatened coastline, countryside and buildings.

We are also committed to the conservation of moths, which are close relatives of butterflies and are in rapid decline.

Butterflies are beautiful and intrinsically valuable. Together with moths, their sensitivity to environmental change makes them valuable indicators of the health of the countryside.

We have more than 12,000 members and 31 volunteer Branches throughout the British Isles.

Their work is driven by a passionate belief that we all have a responsibility to protect birds and the environment. Bird populations reflect the health of the planet on which our future depends.

The need for an effective bird conservation organisation has never been greater. Climate change, agricultural intensification, expansion of urban areas and transport infrastructure, and over-exploitation of our seas all pose major threats to birds.

''The RSPB could not exist without its supporters and members. Whether you join us, give a donation, purchase items from us or undertake voluntary work, your support is vital to the future of birds and the places where they live''.

Join the RSPB

BCT works on a number of levels to create a better world for bats. We run a range of different projects and initiatives. The breadth and depth of our work is driven by our passion for bats, and our vision of bats and people living in harmony.

BCT achieves a great deal with limited resources. This would not be possible without the dedication and enthusiasm of almost 5,000 members, and the sheer volume of conservation work carried out by local bat groups and volunteers across the UK.

The HGF campaigns for the protection and appreciation of historic parks and gardens, whether they were created for the benefit of aristocrats and princes, merchants and bankers, or ordinary men and women.

One way it does this is by awarding prizes to encourage good practice in garden restoration. But its voice is heard most clearly through Historic Gardens Review, the HGF’s acclaimed magazine.