A National Trust site in Northumberland will remain open for the community, despite hundreds of job losses across the organisation.
The National Trust announced in July that its work protecting nature was becoming 'increasingly tough' due to 'sustained cost pressures', and it would need to save money to deliver its new 10-year strategy.
It conducted a 'review' into how the Cherryburn site in Mickley could 'offer the most benefit to visitors'.
At the time, a spokesperson said: "These are proposals only, and we’re consulting staff and volunteers to ensure they deliver the Trust’s new strategy; to increase people’s access to culture and inspire them to care for it, as well as create a sustainable future for the organisation in a tough financial environment."
The charity posted an update on its website on October 1 that, after a period of consultation and its voluntary redundancy scheme, it has 'been able to minimise the number of compulsory redundancies' across the Trust.
READ MORE: 'Review' at National Trust site Cherryburn, Northumberland
It has reintroduced some roles back into its proposed structure as a result of cutting its pay reduction target by £2 million.
"Of the 6 per cent reduction in headcount we were expecting to make, 4 per cent has come via voluntary redundancy, meaning 2 per cent will now be subject to compulsory redundancy. This is a total reduction of around 500 full-time posts.
"We are grateful to all our staff and volunteers for the kindness and resilience they have shown throughout this process, and we thank our trade union, Prospect, for the skilled and diligent support they have shown for our people.
"The savings will help the Trust be successful in a very challenging financial climate and start to deliver our new strategy goals of restoring nature, ending unequal access to nature and cultural heritage, and inspiring millions more people to support our cause. We still have some work to do, but we aim to have new structures and ways of working in place for early 2026.
"The National Trust has endured for over a century because it continues to adapt and plan for the long term."
A spokesperson for the National Trust said: “Cherryburn will remain open for visitors and the community.
"We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who engaged with us through this period of consultation to help us understand how we can increase access to Thomas Bewick’s story and collection, and maximise the benefits Cherryburn can bring to people.
"The garden, where visitors currently spend most of their time, will take on a more central role next year. The house will be open and we’ll be working with our staff, volunteers and partners to explore new uses for the space so we’re able to share the Bewick story more widely.”
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