Message from the Executive Director

Recent events have reminded us how vulnerable island ecosystems can be. The incursion of highly invasive Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFA) into Bermuda highlights the critical importance of biosecurity. Increased travel and a global economy bring benefits, but they also introduce risks and keeping Bermuda safe requires vigilance from all of us.

The release of the new biodiversity strategy for the UK Overseas Territories is another reminder that while Bermuda is small, we are part of a much bigger picture. It challenges us to think carefully about how we will meet the expectations that come with it. Biodiversity is critically important not just to Bermuda, but to the world.

That reality is brought sharply into focus by the discovery of the endangered endemic snail Vertigo bermudensis at Southlands National Park, found in leaf litter beneath Banyan trees. As far as we know, this tiny snail exists nowhere else on Earth. Its presence reinforces why preservation matters and why we continue to advocate for Southlands to be allowed to remain as natural and undeveloped as possible.

Finally, a reminder: if you see something that may be harming our environment or heritage, please report it to the appropriate authority. Concerns only lead to action if they reach the people empowered to make change. Our own advocacy efforts are strengthened and amplified when others also take the time to share their concerns.

Karen Border

Executive Director

Plant & Bake Sale

This Saturday, 7 February

Join us this Saturday, 7 February from 8:30 am to 12:00 noon for a wonderful selection of locally cultivated native and exotic plants, perfect for your garden! You’ll also find a delicious variety of homemade baked goods, preserves and fresh, locally grown vegetables.

Arrive early for the best selection! Coffee and tea will be available for a donation.

Volunteers & Donations Needed!

We welcome donations of plants and baked goods and need volunteers to help on the day of the event. To sign up, click here or contact jsmith@bnt.bm or call 236-6383 x 215.

Plant donations: Accepted throughout the week leading up to the sale.
Baked goods donations: Please deliver them on Friday, 6 February, between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm.

All donations should be dropped off at BNT Offices, Waterville, 2 Pomander Road, Paget.

Property Updates

Andrew Butt, Head of Property and Facilities

Natural Heritage Updates

Myles Darrell, Head of Natural Heritage

A Community Rooted in Care

On January 17, something special happened.

As part of the BNT's Christmas Tree Initiative, more than 50 Bermuda Cedars were planted at High Point Nature Reserve— each one a living reminder of what’s possible when community and conservation come together. Among them were commemorative trees for Jack Ward and Vincent Tuzo, whose lives and legacies will now be honoured through trees that will grow for generations to come.

What made the day truly unforgettable wasn’t just the number of trees planted — it was the people. Families, children, friends and volunteers gathered with shovels and smiles, turning tree planting into something joyful, meaningful and deeply personal. You could feel it: planting a tree wasn’t just a task, it was a moment — something to return to, to visit, to watch grow over time.

Volunteers planting their Christmas Tree

This is why community buy-in matters so much. Conservation doesn’t happen in isolation. At the Bermuda National Trust, we depend on the community to help turn conservation aspirations into reality. When people show up, get their hands in the soil and make nature part of their family story, the impact goes far beyond a single day.

Thank you to everyone who took part, supported the initiative and helped make this such a success. These cedars are now part of Bermuda’s future — and so are the people who planted them.

Here’s to growing together.

Bermuda Cedars planted at High Point Nature Reserve

Memorial Benches

As you visit our nature reserves, you may find yourself pausing to sit on one of our benches and take in the beauty of the surroundings. Many of these benches have been thoughtfully donated as memorial benches, offering a meaningful way to honour and remember a loved one.

If you are interested in donating a bench for placement in our nature reserves, we are pleased to share that Island Trading is offering a 10% discount on benches designated for BNT nature reserves and gardens.

Cultural Heritage Updates

Dr Charlotte Andrews, Head of Cultural Heritage

Keeping the Pressure On: Advocacy for Our World Heritage Site

Over December and January, BNT has continued sustained advocacy on behalf of our World Heritage Site, focused on ensuring that long-standing commitments move from words to action. While the Site’s inscription remains a point of pride, inscription alone does not safeguard its future.

In recent weeks, my work has included direct engagement with government stakeholders, written submissions and ongoing dialogue aimed at keeping World Heritage obligations firmly on the public agenda. These conversations have consistently returned to three urgent priorities: establishing robust and transparent governance arrangements, finalising and implementing a comprehensive management plan, and addressing the recommendations outlined in the UNESCO/ICOMOS report.

The UNESCO/ICOMOS findings highlighted structural weaknesses that, if left unaddressed, risk undermining the Site’s Outstanding Universal Value. A meaningful response is not optional—it is a responsibility that comes with World Heritage status. Delays or partial measures only increase the risk of further scrutiny and potential reputational damage.

Progress has been discussed, but discussion is not the same as delivery. As we move into the new year, it is essential that momentum is not lost and that timelines, accountability, and resourcing are clearly defined and made public.

Advocacy remains critical. Continued pressure from the heritage sector, community organisations, and concerned individuals is one of the most effective ways to ensure that commitments translate into action. We will continue to push for transparency, urgency, and compliance with international standards, and I encourage others to do the same. Our World Heritage Site deserves leadership, coordination, and a clear plan for its long-term protection.

Partnering for the 2026 Tourism Season at Verdmont

Ahead of the 2026 high tourism season, Bermuda National Trust will host a Cultural Tourism Ambassadors Open House at Verdmont Museum, bringing together hospitality and heritage partners who help shape visitors’ experiences across the island. Educators are also invited to further connect with Verdmont to enhance student learning.

Timed to take place before the first cruise ships arrive and before hotel rooms fill, the open house gives partners an early opportunity to experience Verdmont, meet the museum team and share insights on how BNT can best support both visitors and local audiences throughout the season.

Our valued cultural tourism ambassadors will enjoy a guided tour with trained interpreters, rare access to the original detached kitchen and enslaved quarters and a complimentary copy of Verdmont: The Story of a House.

Verdmont is a key BNT museum site and an African Diaspora Heritage Trail site, interpreting Bermuda’s 18th- and 19th-century history through the lives of both enslaved and free residents.

BNT looks forward to strengthening partnerships that support meaningful cultural tourism across the island.

Open House details:

Tuesday 10, Wednesday 11 & Thursday 12 March 2026

10:00 am–3:00 pm (drop in at your convenience)

At Verdmont Museum, at the top of Collector’s Hill, Smith’s Parish

We Need Museum Volunteers!

Bermuda National Trust urgently needs reliable museum volunteers to help keep our sites open and welcoming. We’re looking for people who can commit one day per week (approximately 5 hours) and who bring consistency and a love of Bermuda’s heritage. Experience in customer service, hospitality or using a POS system would be a bonus—but enthusiasm and reliability matter most.

If you can give your time and help support BNT’s museums, please contact Chris Davies, Museums Manager on chris.davies@bnt.bm or 236-6483 x226

Heritage Education Updates

Anna Stevenson, Heritage Education Manager

The new year started in full swing with our P5 online Learning Journey which focuses on the development of slavery in Bermuda. We were delighted to once again partner with the Friends of St Peter’s Church who generously provided funding for minibuses to bring the P5s to St George’s to visit part of the African Diaspora Heritage Trail. Teaching was delivered by Rev. Lorne Bean, Maxine Esdaille, Nekesha Holdipp, Alison Outerbridge and BNT’s Anna Stevenson.

We welcomed all Grade 1 students from Saltus to Verdmont to learn about how people lived in the past. Students were particularly fascinated by the privy and the nursery and had great fun in the attic object-handling and guessing the use of the artefacts.

We began our three-part learning journey on shipwreck and settlement with the P3s at BHS who listened to the story of the Sea Venture and met some of the important people on board. They competed against each other to see who the best at bailing water was and started to think about island survival in 1609.

Finally, we are gearing up for our new camp – Roots and Rhythms – which is running for two weeks in February. The camp focuses on the island’s rich cultural heritage. We also have two brand new camps running over Spring break. Places go fast so sign up soon!