Message from the Executive Director

BNT has taken a significant step toward sustainability with the installation of a new solar pergola at our headquarters, Waterville. The solar-powered structure now provides clean, renewable energy for the Trust’s operations while preserving the historic character of one of Bermuda’s most important heritage buildings.

As Waterville is a Grade 1 listed building and highly visible from The Lane and across the waters of Hamilton Harbour, rooftop solar panels were not an option. Instead, we chose to mount the panels on a pergola in the car park, at some distance from the building. This allowed us to balance the need to protect the integrity of this beautiful historic property while reducing BNT’s carbon footprint and adopting a sustainable energy solution.

The project was made possible through the generous support of The Fidelis Foundation, The Conduit Foundation, and private donor Elizabeth Wingate. We are extremely grateful for their generosity and commitment to sustainability.

The 14kW solar photovoltaic system was installed by BE Solar and is expected to generate enough electricity to meet the office’s annual energy requirements. In addition to producing renewable energy, the pergola – designed by architect Geoff Parker and constructed by Carvalho Construction - provides shaded parking for staff and visitors.

Karen Border

Executive Director

Geoff Parker, Architect; Charles Slabbert, BE Solar; Dorte Horsfield, BNT Head of Development; Robbie Godfrey, CEO BE Solar; Taylor Gorham, Fidelis Foundation; Heather Mello, Conduit Foundation; Elizabeth Wingate; Mark Orchard, BNT President; Teree Tucker, Conduit Foundation; Karen Border, BNT Executive Director; Myles Darrell, BNT Head of Natural Heritage; Michael Carvalho, Carvalho Construction; Andrew Butt, BNT Head of Property.

Slate of candidates for election to Council:

Andy DeGregorio

Stratton Hatfield

Peter Hebberd

Zeudi Hinds

Michael Leverock

Robin Mayor

Mark Orchard

Linda O’Shea

Duncan Simons

William White

Roots & Reefs Gala 2026

Last Saturday, we were delighted to host our Roots & Reefs Gala Dinner on the beautiful grounds of Government House.

The evening welcomed 300 guests, who enjoyed a cocktail reception, dinner, dancing and an auction. It was a truly memorable occasion and a remarkable success.

We extend our sincere thanks to His Excellency the Governor for generously allowing us to use the Government House grounds, as well as to the organising committee, our guests and everyone who donated auction prizes.

Special thanks also go to IRG for providing a wonderful feast; Bacardi for hosting the bar; Two Rock Wine for supplying the champagne and wine; Undercover Tent Rentals, Classact Design, and Ad-Hoc Systems for their support; The Garden Club for the stunning floral décor; and Bonsai Garden Design for their beautiful display.

Thank you to everyone who helped make the evening such a success. Your generosity and support are greatly appreciated.

Natural Heritage Updates

Myles Darrell, Head of Natural Heritage

From Pumpkin Patch to Community Support

At BNT, conservation is about more than protecting nature. It is about creating healthier, more resilient communities and ensuring Bermuda's natural heritage can be enjoyed and valued by everyone.

Recently, members of the Somersfield Interact Club joined us at Spittal Pond Nature Reserve for a hard-working but rewarding day of service, helping us to harvest more than 600 pounds of pumpkins.

The pumpkins play an important role in the management of the reserve. As a living ground cover, they help suppress weeds, retain moisture in the soil during the hot summer months, and reduce the need for maintenance while supporting healthier growing conditions for native and endemic plants.

More than 300 pounds of pumpkins were donated to the Eliza Dolittle Society and the Serenity Gardens Seniors Home in Warwick. We will be distributing the remaining pumpkins to members of the community in the coming weeks and look forward to harvesting even more in the future. Seeing food produced through conservation work directly benefit members of our community is a powerful reminder that environmental stewardship can deliver social benefits as well.

We are grateful to the students and leaders of the Somersfield Interact Club for their energy and dedication.

A Powerful Show of Support for Bermuda's Marine Area

Recently, the Bermuda National Trust had the privilege of delivering an open letter to the Minister of Public Works and Environment calling for the adoption of Bermuda's Marine Spatial Plan. What made the moment truly special was the extraordinary coalition standing behind the letter.

More than 60 local organisations added their names in support, representing a remarkable cross-section of our community and economy, including conservation NGOs, scientific institutions, tourism operators, hotels, dive businesses, fishers, educational institutions, renewable energy companies, and other local businesses. This level of support sends a clear message. Bermudians understand that a healthy ocean is not simply an environmental issue. It is an economic issue, a cultural issue, a heritage issue and ultimately, a quality of life issue.

Our ocean supports tourism, recreation, fisheries, jobs, food security and climate resilience. It protects our shores, shapes our identity and connects us to generations of Bermudians who came before us.

The Marine Spatial Plan is the result of seven years of consultation, collaboration and scientific research. It represents a balanced approach that seeks to protect important marine habitats while supporting the many people and industries that rely on Bermuda's waters.

At BNT, we often speak about protecting Bermuda's natural and cultural heritage "for everyone, forever." The overwhelming support for this open letter demonstrates that this principle extends beyond our terrestrial landscapes and historic buildings. It includes the reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, fisheries and open ocean that have shaped Bermuda throughout its history. The decisions we make today will determine what kind of ocean we leave to future generations.

We are deeply grateful to every organisation that added its voice to this effort. Their support reflects a shared vision of a healthy ocean, a thriving blue economy and a future where our marine natural heritage continues to benefit everyone.

Cultural Heritage Updates

Dr Charlotte Andrews, Head of Cultural Heritage

Congratulations to Margie Lloyd, MBE

Margie Lloyd was recently invested as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) by His Majesty King Charles III at Windsor Castle, an honour bestowed in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours. The MBE recognises her outstanding service to Bermuda’s architectural heritage over many decades.

Since the 1980s, she has helped research, document and share the stories of thousands of historic buildings and sites across the island. Much of this work is contained within BNT’s ten-volume Architectural Heritage Series, a landmark project which Margie led and which remains one of Bermuda’s most significant heritage documentation projects ever.

Margie continues to generously share her time and knowledge with BNT’s cultural heritage team, along with her long-time research partner Linda Abend. Together they produce our At Risk articles, continue the Old House Survey and undertake numerous other projects. We offer our warmest congratulations and most sincere thanks to Margie.

Margie Lloyd MBE at Windsor Castle with her children (l-r) Lokabandhu, Charles and Sue.

Practical Guidance for Preservation

BNT regularly receives enquiries from owners seeking advice on conserving and restoring listed buildings and properties within Historic Protection Areas. Maintaining historic buildings can be challenging and often comes with additional costs—something BNT, as the owner and steward of many listed buildings, understands well.

The Department of Planning provides a range of resources to help. The Traditional Building Guide: Advice for Preserving Bermuda’s Architectural Heritage, produced in partnership with BNT, serves as a field guide for homeowners, builders and architects on traditional building materials and methods. The Department also provides guidance on the restoration of listed buildings.

What Henry Has Given to St George’s

We would also like to recognise the contribution of former BNT President Henry Ming, who recently concluded many years of service on the St George’s Preservation Authority (SGPA).

Henry’s service on the SGPA represents just one of many contributions he has made to BNT and Bermuda’s heritage over the years, nevertheless, it has been a particularly important one. Established under the Town of St. George (Protection of Buildings of Special Interest) Act 1950, the SGPA plays a vital role in safeguarding the character of the St George’s Preservation Area, reviewing proposals for alterations, signage and new development within the internationally significant historic townscape.

As a professional architect, Henry brought technical expertise and a deep understanding of Bermuda’s built environment to SGPA discussions. His thoughtful and balanced approach to heritage conservation recognised the need to protect the character of St George’s while supporting its continued evolution as a living town. We are grateful for Henry’s many years of dedication in this role and for his wider service to BNT and Bermuda’s heritage.

BNT’s Head of Property Andrew Butt has now filled Henry’s seat on the SGPA, joining Linda Abend and me in continuing the important work of protecting the St George’s Preservation Area.

Heritage Education Updates

Anna Stevenson, Heritage Education Manager

As the school year wound down, May was a busy month for Heritage Education. Students from Chatmore International School and Warwick Academy took a step back in time with a walking tour around St George’s. All public school P2s visited Paget Marsh to learn about habitats and endemic plants and we ran a three-part learning journey with Somersfield P1s who learned about Bermuda’s plants and got to sow some flower seeds at school. All Mount Saint Agnes P2s visited Waterville to explore mangrove eco-systems. Finally, we delivered the three-part learning journey on key individuals in Bermuda’s Civil Rights Movement to all P6s at Somersfield.

We wish all teachers, educators and students a happy, safe and restful summer holiday!

Don’t forget to check out our Family Heritage Activities for Summer, which can be found on our website.