The National Trust is embroiled in a fresh woke row after it terminated the positions of 13 volunteer gardeners at one of its most beloved estates for failing to complete mandatory inclusivity training.
The dramatic purge took place at the stunning Felbrigg Hall estate in Norfolk, where a team of dedicated, long-serving volunteers were effectively sacked. The charity insists the move was necessary to foster a more 'welcome and inclusive' environment, but the decision has been met with fury and accusations of 'ideological madness'.
A Clash of Values in the Walled Garden
According to sources, the volunteers, some of whom had dedicated over a quarter of a century to tending Felbrigg's beautiful gardens, were told their services were no longer required. The reason? They had not completed an online 'inclusivity' course, a new requirement for all volunteers.
The course reportedly covered topics including gender identity and privilege. For many of the older volunteers, the digital nature of the training presented a significant hurdle, leading to their failure to complete it.
'A Slap in the Face': Backlash Erupts
The decision has sparked immediate and fierce backlash from members, local supporters, and political commentators. Critics have lambasted the Trust for prioritising woke box-ticking over the invaluable practical skills and historical knowledge of its volunteers.
One source close to the situation called it a 'volunteer purge', stating the gardeners were 'utterly dismayed' and felt their decades of service counted for nothing. Many see it as a profound insult to the very people who form the backbone of the charity's operations.
The National Trust's Defence
In a statement, the National Trust defended its actions, emphasising its commitment to diversity and inclusion. A spokesperson said, 'We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone... and we ask all our volunteers to complete this training.'
They confirmed that a 'small number' of people at Felbrigg Hall are no longer volunteering as a result of not finishing the module, but stressed that new volunteers have since come forward.
A Symptom of a Wider Cultural War
This incident is not isolated. It marks the latest flashpoint in an ongoing cultural battle surrounding the National Trust, which has frequently found itself at the centre of the UK's culture wars. Previous controversies have involved its attempts to highlight historical links to colonialism and slavery at its properties.
This latest row raises urgent questions about whether the pursuit of modern inclusivity policies is alienating the traditional base of support that has sustained such institutions for generations. The sight of experienced hands being turned away from the soil they nurtured for years has become a potent symbol of this deepening divide.
