THE National Trust must shed its "remote" image and work more closely with local communities, says the organisation's new chief executive.
Fiona Reynolds, originally from Alston, believes that by forging closer links, the trust will aim to fulfil its purpose of benefiting the nation.
She says the trust can play a pivotal role in the future of the countryside by drawing on its wide experience to show how problems facing rural land and communities can be tackled.
The new chief executive says the trust led the way by effectively saving the country house in the last century.
"Now, at the start of the 21st century, I believe the trust should aim to do the same in respect of the countryside.
As the largest non-government landowner in the UK, the trust has the skills, experience and the responsibility to show how sustained, sensitive investment in places, people and ideas can regenerate and revitalise vulnerable communities."
Formed 105 years ago, the National Trust has nearly 2.8 million members and looks after historic houses, gardens and landscapes.
The trust protects about a quarter of the Lake District National Park - some 135,000 acres.
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