The Saint Helena National Trust is an independent not-for-profit organization which aims to preserve Saint Helena's environmental and cultural heritage. It was founded on 22 May 2002, the 500th anniversary of Saint Helena's discovery. The Patron of the Trust is HRH The Duke of York.
The Trust was established by Ordinance. It unites in one organization Saint Helena's Art and Craft Association, Heritage Society, Nature Conservation Group, Dive Club, Farmer's Association, Fisherman's Association, Tourism Association and the Domaines Français.
The Millennium Forest is a 250-hectare area of replanting on the island, which aims to restore part of what was the Great Wood. Another programme is the conservation of the Saint Helena Plover, the national bird of the island, which is locally known as the Wirebird. The Trust is also involved in conservation in the Diana's Peak National Park, which was designated in 1996.
In 2006, Michel Dancoisne-Martineau donated the heart-shaped waterfall valley to the Trust. A new pathway was constructed through the valley, which opened in December 2010.
The Trust also want to preserve and promote the island's built heritage, especially that from the 17th and 18th centuries. The Trust have begun a project to restore High Knoll Fort near Jamestown.[1]