Starling Bank in Partnership with National Trust

Starling Bank has partnered with the National Trust in a three-year initiative to improve access to nature for over one million people annually. Launched a year ago, this partnership underscores both organizations’ commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement. Starling Bank, in partnership with National Trust, supports nature and inspires young people.  The partnership aims to provide opportunities for families and schoolchildren to engage with nature through various programs, ultimately fostering a new generation of environmental advocates.

Through the Starling Bank in Partnership with National Trust initiative, the two organizations have created opportunities for young people, particularly those from urban areas, to engage with nature. The collaboration has already shown impressive results, mainly through nature workshops designed for children who might otherwise struggle to experience the outdoors. Over 4,000 young people have participated in these workshops, with a target of reaching 6,000 by July 2024. These activities are about exploration and instilling a lifelong appreciation for the natural world.

Starling Bank in Partnership with National Trust

One highlight of this partnership is the Summer of Play program, which saw more than 9,000 children enjoying free lunches at National Trust cafes while participating in various sports, nature trails, and creative arts and crafts. This initiative will continue next year, promising more engaging activities and support.

Additionally, Starling Bank is providing Educational Group Memberships and return passes for participating schools, ensuring that children can revisit and share their newfound love for nature with their families. It is part of a broader strategy to integrate nature into daily life, especially for urban schools with high free school meal uptake.

Starling Bank’s partnership also focuses on critical environmental projects like peatland restoration, a significant move toward combating climate change and preserving biodiversity. With 80% of UK peatlands in a degraded state, efforts to restore up to 37.5 hectares over three years are underway, thanks to funding from Starling Bank. Victoria Floyd of the National Trust and Rachel Kerrone of Starling Bank expressed enthusiasm about the partnership’s potential to deliver significant environmental and social benefits. Together, they are working to ensure that the natural world remains accessible and protected for future generations.

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