The Churches Conservation Trust is the national charity saving historic churches at risk

They have saved over 350 buildings which attract almost 2 million visitors a year. The unique collection of English parish churches includes irreplaceable examples of architecture, archaeology and art from 1,000 years of history. With the help and with the support they are kept open and in use – living once again at the heart of their communities.

The Trust is the operator of the third largest heritage estate in charitable ownership in the UK. They have an international, award-winning reputation in heritage conservation and regeneration. All of the churches in the collection are listed, mostly Grade I and II*, and some are Scheduled Ancient Monuments.

Without thier care and the support, the buildings they look after might have disappeared completely. Instead they are enjoyed as cultural, social, tourism and educational resources, kept open, in use and living once again in the heart of communities. All of the churches remain consecrated and are used for occasional worship.

Thier vision is for historic churches to be enjoyed by everyone as places of heritage, culture, spirituality and beauty and for the significant contribution they make to communities, society and the economy.

To achive this they need to engage and inspire individuals and communities so that together they can conserve, enjoy and promote fine collection of historic churches.  Working with volunteers, visitors and donors they aim to create innovative partnerships to ensure the churches thrive.

The key is recognising what these buildings can contribute to modern life; whether as a heritage gem to discover during a walk in the country, a place to meet or learn, a cultural venue or a destination to visit as part of a day out. 

Importantly, the churches remain at heart complete. They all remain consecrated and available for occasional worship and their spirit, tranquility and sense of place remains intact. They are their guardians, charged with protecting 1,000 years of history, and keeping them open for people to use.