• Conservation of historic landscapes
• On-going development of the gardens
• Conservation of plant collections
• Protection of the environment
• Training and development of horticultural skills

Conservation of historic landscapes
The Gardens Team at the NTS play a key role in conserving Scotland`s historic gardens and designed landscapes and have been responsible for rescuing various gardens from destruction or gentle decline. Examples of properties that have been safeguarded from further decline include Crarae and Newhailes.

Conservation planning - including maintenance, preservation, restoration and adaptation - is carried out as part of a clear long-term plan for the property to avoid undesirable change. It is based on as full an understanding as possible of the property`s cultural significance, history and character. The Gardens Team must work closely with other disciplines within the NTS to achieve such long-term aims.

On-going development of the gardens
Gardens are dynamic works of art, each with their own special character, which are determined not only by land-form and the physical environment but also by more transient factors such as building style, and taste in garden design and plants. They are contrived ecosystems representing interdependent communities that need to be managed in a sensitive manner to ensure their survival. Thus as well as conserving certain historic features in a garden it may also be appropriate to adapt and develop other areas.

Conservation of plant collections
The Trust is renowned for its famous plant collections and plays an invaluable role in conserving numerous different collections. These include many which are part of the NCCPG National Plant Collections scheme.

Protection of the environment
The Trust`s gardeners are very environmentally aware and try to minimise the impact of their operations on the environment as required by the Environmental Policy. Thus they try and minimise pesticide use and are actively investigating ways of replacing peat-containing composts. Many of the gardens have wilderness areas to encourage wildlife and visitors are encouraged to follow the example set by the NTS.

Training and development of horticultural skills
The NTS plays an important role in promoting the conservation of the art and craft of practical gardening, and runs a one year course at its School of Practical Gardening at Threave where student gardeners are trained in the art of gardening. The Trust also runs several apprenticeship programmes at its gardens. See Training and Careers for further details.