News

Mark Orchard has been elected as president of the Bermuda National Trust’s council board, replacing Alana Anderson. In addition, Michael Leverock was elected as vice-president of the board. Ms Anderson stepped down from the role of president, in accordance with BNT bylaws, after serving an extended seven-year term. Mr Orchard thanked her for her exceptional service and presented … Read more

The Bermuda National Trust elected Mark Orchard as president and Michael Leverock as vice president at their Annual General Meeting. A spokesperson said, “Alana Anderson stepped down from the role of president, in accordance with BNT bye-laws, after serving an extended seven-year term. On behalf of the Council, Mark Orchard thanked Alana for her exceptional service and presented her with … Read more

The Bermuda National Trust will use a recently awarded grant for its archaeological collections management project. In its newsletter last month, the charity said it was awarded the $25,000 Unesco funding by the Corporation of St George for the project. The BNT said: “The minister responsible for the municipalities approved our request to support our Archaeological Collections Management Essential Upgrades … Read more

Individuals and organisations that have worked to protect and promote Bermuda’s natural and cultural heritage were recognised for their efforts at an awards ceremony The Bermuda National Trust’s annual heritage awards were held at the organisation’s Verdmont Museum last Thursday. Certificates were presented by the charity’s president, Alana Anderson, and Kim Swan, the Junior Minister of Culture. The … Read more

The Bermuda National Trust Annual Awards were presented, recognising individuals, organisations, groups and schools that have worked to protect and promote Bermuda’s natural and cultural heritage. A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda National Trust’s annual heritage awards were presented on 20 June. The awards, sponsored by Butterfield & Vallis, recognise individuals, organisations, groups and schools that have worked to protect and promote … Read more

Plans to remove a porch from an historical Reid Street building have sparked objections from the Bermuda National Trust. According to a planning application, filed last month, Mayfair Limited is seeking permission to remove the cantilever porch from 2 Reid Street because of safety concerns. The property, which now hosts P-Tech, was the original home of the Phoenix Drug Store, … Read more

Residents were invited to help the Bermuda National Trust make plans to revitalise its museums. As part of Heritage Month, which carried the theme “Culture=Energy”, the charity also hoped to expand how the sites impact cultural tourism and offer benefit to the community. Charlotte Andrews, the BNT’s head of cultural heritage, invited members of the public to attend … Read more

The Bermuda National Trust invites the community to free open houses in May to gather input on plans to revitalize Trust Museums. A spokesperson said, “Bermuda National Trust invites the community to learn about and give input into plans for Trust Museums at free open houses in May. In line with this year’s Heritage Month theme, Culture=Energy, the Trust hopes … Read more

The Bermuda National Trust raised concern about the future of a “critically at risk” grove of trees at a nature reserve in Hamilton Parish. In its April newsletter, the organisation said the yellowwoods, a rare, endangered species protected by law, thrive on a 6.6-acre area of land in the nature reserve at Paynters Hill. The charity feared that the … Read more

A former Commanding Officer of the Bermuda Regiment through turbulent times was also deeply committed to Bermuda’s environment and social welfare. Lieutenant-Colonel Michael Darling was twice president of the Bermuda National Trust; a former chairman of the Defence Board; one of three founders of the Bermuda National Gallery; and a proud chairman of the board at the Elbow … Read more

An advisory body set up to help protect Bermuda’s national parks has been re-established, about 15 months after it was disbanded. The National Parks Commission will be chaired by Zane DeSilva, head of a construction company and a government MP, according to a notice in the Official Gazette. One environmental charity yesterday welcomed the return of the commission but said its re-establishment … Read more

Archaeologists hope to confirm the site of Bermuda’s first settlements on Smith’s Island in St George’s Harbour when a dig takes place this summer. A team of professionals and volunteers will carry out the excavation and related lab work at Smallpox Bay from May 24 to June 28. The project is part of continuing archaeological and historical research … Read more

An archaeologist has discovered “significant” artefacts while sifting through the soil at Fort Hamilton during ongoing restoration works, it was announced today. “The items will be catalogued and the archaeologist will make the recommendations on what to do with them,” Patrick Cooper, the city engineer, said at a press conference at City Hall. He said the archaeologist made … Read more

BNT’s annual nature walk for children took place at Spittal Pond on Tuesday, 3 April with the free guided walk, sponsored by Arch, aiming to inspire young people with a love for Bermuda’s natural and cultural heritage. Bernews: Children Enjoy Nature Walk at Spittal Pond Royal Gazette: Children explore Spittal Pond in BNT Nature Walk

The Bermuda National Trust has invited the public to nominate individuals, organizations, schools, or groups for its annual awards. Bernews : Nominations Now Open For 2024 BNT Awards Royal Gazette: Nominations open for BNT Awards

A new walking path could be established at Paget Marsh as part of a proposed conservation management plan for the nature reserve. The CMP, produced by CK Landscape Architecture and Consultancy for the Bermuda National Trust and the Bermuda Audubon Society, proposes measures to remove invasive species and bolster native and endemic plants in the reserve. The plan also … Read more

The first day of spring was welcomed yesterday by green groups across the island. Speakers from five environmental advocacy groups met at the Bermuda National Trust’s Waterville property in Pembroke to share their events planned for the change in seasons. Glenn Fubler, of Imagine Bermuda, welcomed the warmer weather and encouraged people to take this time to appreciate … Read more

The historical significance of a building in St George’s that was the property of a slave owner should be highlighted to visiting Unesco officials, it has been argued. Unesco representatives are due to return to the island this month for the first time in 24 years after the Government invited them to conduct an “advisory mission” to review … Read more

The Bermuda National Trust [BNT] announce the publication of ‘Globe Museum – The Story of a House and its People’ by Diana Chudleigh. Bernews: Globe Museum, The Story of a House & Its People. Royal Gazette: Book offers insight into 300-year-old Globe Museum building

Women working in the field of science have been celebrated at a fundraising event to mark International Women’s Day. More than 50 female representatives from major non-profit, financial, industrial and governmental organisations gathered at Verdmont for an evening of networking and collaboration. Rosemarie McMahon, a climate scientist, moderated a panel discussion featuring Rachel Parson, a research specialist at … Read more

The US Consulate invited the Government and community leaders to take part in a walking tour as part of a Black History Month series. The tour took place at Spittal Pond Nature reserve and included landmarks connected to the enslavement, resistance and empowerment of people of African descent. Led by the Bermuda National Trust, the tour explored Jeffrey’s … Read more

Registration is open for the 49th Palm Sunday Walk, which will be held by the Bermuda National Trust starting in Warwick Parish on March 24th, 2024. Bernews: BNT Opens Registration For Palm Sunday Walk Bernews: BNT Opens Registration for Palm Sunday Walk Royal Gazette: Palm Sunday Walk to explore parts of Warwick Bernews: Traffic Notice for BNT Palm Sunday … Read more

The Bermuda National Trust’s popular annual Auction & Jumble Sale fundraising event starts at the Jack King Building and Commercial Slat House in the Botanical Gardens on Thursday, 29 February, 2024. Read the full article on Bernews. Read the full article on Royal Gazette.

Alana Anderson likes to say she has been a member of the Bermuda National Trust since birth. Her parents, Henry and Conchita Ming, were heavily involved in the BNT when she was a child, and her father is now a past president. “I can remember watching the ducks while my father attended a meeting,” Ms Anderson said. She … Read more

The Bermuda National Trust announced that the boardwalk at Paget Marsh Nature Reserve “has now been restored and is once again open to the public.” Read the full article on Bernews. Read the full article on Royal Gazette.

The Bermuda National Trust held its Plant & Bake Sale today [Feb 10], offering a diverse selection of plants, baked goods, and local produce at its headquarters in Paget. BNT Executive Director Karen Border previously noted they will have a “fabulous selection of plants, from bedding annuals to unusual trees and shrubs, native and endemic species, Bermuda roses, succulents, orchids, … Read more

Photographers have been called once more by the Bermuda National Trust to put their skills on display for its annual calendar contest. Last year’s contest — which the charity threw open to the whole community for the first time — took in more than 200 pictures of the island’s architectural heritage, with top entries chosen for the final design. Dörte … Read more

This year’s Bermuda College Roche Science Week speaker has often found himself at the centre of some of Bermuda’s most contentious environmental debates. As Bermuda National Trust head of natural heritage, Myles Darrell examines 300 to 500 planning applications a year looking for negative impacts on Bermuda’s green space, heritage and biodiversity. He came to prominence after speaking … Read more

Bermuda National Trust’s Plant & Bake Sale is scheduled for this Saturday at BNT headquarters, offering a diverse array of plants, baked goods, and local produce. A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda National Trust’s popular Plant & Bake Sale is set to go ahead rain or shine this Saturday 10 February from 8:30am to noon at BNT headquarters, Waterville, 2 … Read more

A special display recognising Bermudians “who played a significant role in building the social fabric of our island” opened in Hamilton this week. The mini exhibition will run in the Washington Mall until February 29 and features four Black Bermudians, each with a link to the City of Hamilton, who made a positive difference in Bermuda. The City … Read more

Preserving and protecting the island’s native and endemic flora will be the focus of conservationist Myles Darrell’s presentation during Roche Science week activities in early February. Bermuda College, which is hosting the talk, noted that the island’s conservationist efforts dated back to 400 years ago and had expanded to embrace a vast array of categories, including water issues, … Read more

More than 100 people dug deep to help the Bermuda National Trust plant native and endemic trees for a project at Spittal Pond designed to protect the area from cow manure run-off. The BNT has dug a berm to protect the pond from pollutants and run-off from the nearby dairy farm and has cleared part of the area. Volunteers, … Read more

An area of protected parkland which was set for development has won a temporary reprieve from the bulldozers, after the Government backtracked on its decision to grant the project planning approval. The Bermuda Housing Corporation submitted plans for an events lawn at Southlands to be used by the neighbouring Bermudiana Beach Resort. Although the Development Applications Board turned … Read more

The Bermuda National Trust [BNT] is “inviting the community to come out for a walk at Spittal Pond on Saturday, 27 January to see the new sign at Portuguese Rock and learn about the recently completed project to prevent pollution of the pond from the nearby dairy, “adding that “if you are willing to get your hands dirty, you can even sign … Read more

The Bermuda National Trust will hold a community day at Spittal Pond next weekend. Karen Border, the organisation’s executive director, said trees will be planted on a new berm at the reserve during the free event on January 27. The BNT submitted plans for the berm in June 2023, and the barrier, which protects the pond from pollutants and run-off from a … Read more

The Bermuda National Trust is planning its annual auction and jumble sale for late February and early March to raise funds for natural and cultural heritage programming. The trust will receive jumble on February 25 from 1pm to 4pm, February 26 from 8.30am to 6.30pm and on February 27 from 8.30am to noon. BNT requests that donations be … Read more

The Bermuda National Trust is holding its annual Plant and Bake Sale on February 10. The popular event will run from 8.30am until noon at Waterville, 2 Pomander Road, Paget. A spokeswoman for the BNT said: “Shop a diverse assortment of unusual native and exotic plants cultivated and grown locally that are perfect for your garden. Read the … Read more

The Bermuda National Trust will work on projects at two nature reserves and strive to open a new reserve this year, the organisation’s executive director said. Karen Border said the boardwalk at Paget Marsh, which has been closed since 2019, will reopen in February, and signage in the reserve will be replaced during the first quarter of the … Read more

PwC Bermuda will sponsor a nature reserve in Hamilton Parish for the next five years. The $73,000 sponsorship will benefit Eve’s Pond on North Shore Road. The 3.4-acre reserve, which opened to the public in April 2022, belongs to the Bermuda Audubon Society and the Bermuda National Trust, as part of the Buy Back Bermuda initiative. Established in … Read more

2023 Raffle Winners We are pleased to announce the winners of our 2023 Raffle. Congratulations to our 2023 winners. Many thanks to everyone who supported and helped make this year’s raffle a great success! Mini Cooper SE Electric – Ticket Number: 0608 – Winner: Lisa Simpson NIU MQi GT EVO Electric Motor – Ticket Number: 0962 – Winner: Sam DeSilva … Read more

Plans to replace an ageing East End bridge may have hit a snag after the Bermuda National Trust said they own land earmarked for the structure. According to a planning objection filed this month, the charity said that plans showed the proposed replacement for the Swing Bridge partially using BNT property on Stokes Point. “Based on the drawings submitted, … Read more

The Bermuda National Trust [BNT] is hosting its annual Holiday Pop-Up Shop at Waterville, the BNT headquarters and historic home located at 2 Pomander Road, Paget. A spokesperson said, “This is the seventh year BNT has held its Holiday Pop-Up Shop, which features items made and designed by local vendors. Each item is unique and created by locals, offering Bermuda-centric … Read more

A holiday market featuring the work of local vendors is back for its seventh year. The Bermuda National Trust’s annual pop-up shop returns at its headquarters in Paget, the historic home Waterville, at 2 Pomander Road. The popular market specialises in unique, Bermudian-made items, some of which are one-of-a-kind exclusives. The range of wares caters to children and … Read more

The Olde Towne was bustling with activity last night as the annual National Trust Walkabout drew thousands to the East End. Businesses and historical homes throughout the Town of St George welcomed visitors while a variety of entertainers took to the stage in King’s Square. Rena Lalgie, the Governor, told the crowds that the event was uniquely Bermudian. … Read more

The Bermuda National Trust hosted its annual Christmas Walkabout last night [Dec 1] in St. George’s, with the always popular event helping to kick off the festive season in Bermuda. A spokesperson previously said, “BNT historic homes including Tucker House, The Old Rectory, Bridge House, Buckingham, Reeve Court, and Stewart Hall will all be beautifully decorated and open free for the public … Read more

More than 200 pieces of art were submitted by pupils for the Bermuda National Trust’s 2023 Student Art Competition This year’s contest, sponsored by insurance company Sompo International, had the heritage theme of Bermuda People and Parishes. Work by pupils from primary, middle and senior schools was first judged by artists Jahbarri Wilson, Jill Amos Raine and Elizabeth … Read more

The Bermuda National Trust announced the winners of its 2023 Student Art Competition, themed ‘Bermuda People & Parishes,’ sponsored by SOMPO International. A spokesperson said, “Over 200 pieces of artwork were submitted from primary, middle and senior school students across the island. Initial judging was by artists Jahbarri Wilson, Jill Amos Raine, and Elizabeth Allred, with Vincent Chaves representing the Bermuda National … Read more

The gift of giving has been celebrated with the planting of a Bermuda cedar at the Royal Naval Dockyard Cemetery honouring the community group Bermuda Is Love. The Association of Fundraising Professionals of Bermuda teamed up with the Bermuda National Trust last Wednesday in celebration of National Philanthropy Day. AFP Bermuda co-presidents Ann Spencer-Arscott and Katie Bennett praised … Read more

Thank you to everyone who took part in this years Art Competition, sponsored by SOMPO International. We are pleased to announce the winners of this years Student Art Competition. This year’s theme was ‘Bermuda: People & Parishes’ In the 9 – 12 year group: First Place: Savana Walters ‘Bermudaful Colours’ Second Place: Siena Walers ‘Island Life’ Third Place: … Read more

Fallen headstones and walls at cemeteries are being repaired and maintained with financial support from an insurance company. Chubb backed the Bermuda National Trust’s work to look after the sites, which the charity said came after several years of decline. Karen Border, the BNT executive director, explained: “The Bermuda National Trust was delighted and relieved to receive a … Read more

The festive season will kick off in the East End on December 1 when the Bermuda National Trust holds its Christmas Walkabout in the Town of St George. Historic homes at the World Heritage site will be open to the public, while musicians and dancers will provide entertainment in King’s Square. Shops, bars and restaurants will also open … Read more

The Bermuda National Trust is hosting its annual Christmas Walkabout on 1st December 1st in St. George’s, featuring entertainment, shopping, food and drinks, a ‘Toys for Tots’ donation program, and more. A spokesperson said, “St. George’s is the place to be on the evening of Friday 1 December to enjoy the magic of the Bermuda National Trust Christmas Walkabout in the World … Read more

“After several years of decline, Bermuda’s historic cemeteries are once again being properly cared for thanks to financial support from Chubb,” the BNT said today. “The Bermuda National Trust was delighted and relieved to receive a grant from Chubb in 2022 and 2023 to help us care for these special places,” said Karen Border, Executive Director of BNT. “For … Read more

The Bermuda National Trust has said it would not be able to offer its sustainable Christmas tree programme this year owing to a lack of appropriately sized saplings. For the past two years, the programme offered patrons live Bermuda cedar trees for rental, with the trees planted at BNT nature reserves at the end of the holiday season. … Read more

The Bermuda National Trust [BNT] said they are ”encouraging those who may feel a little guilty about buying an imported Christmas tree to donate towards the charity’s tree planting programme. ” A spokesperson said, “The donation would benefit Bermuda’s own environment and biodiversity in a very positive way and offset the carbon footprint of an imported cut tree. “For the past … Read more

A charity auction has raised more than $310,000 for 14 non-profit organisations. The Gala for Giving, co-ordinated by Conduit Reinsurance, gathered representatives from across Bermuda’s business community at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club last Thursday. More than 30 business representatives took part in the auction, while about 340 guests enjoyed a dinner with cocktails and wines donated … Read more

The One Bermuda Alliance has been quick to condemn home affairs minister Walter Roban’s decision to approve a special development order for the Fairmont Southampton hotel, calling the project “staggeringly flawed”. One environmental group expressed dismay at the ruling, describing it as “a sad day for Bermuda”. Interim OBA leader Jarion Richardson and Craig Cannonier, the Shadow Minister … Read more

A gardening club has donated $40,000 to charities to support youth education programmes focusing on the environment. The Garden Club of Bermuda offered $10,000 each to the Bermuda Zoological Society, the Bermuda National Trust, the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute and Waterstart Bermuda. Betty Dale, the president of GCB, said the programmes matched the club’s objectives of educating with … Read more

Learn about Bermuda’s history from the headstones at these four Bermuda National Trust cemeteries. Royal Naval Cemetery –  Malabar Road, Ireland Island, Sandys This large cemetery of 2.73 acres is known as ‘The Glade’ and contains around 866 graves belonging to persons that held different ranks of the British Forces. Ireland Island was bought by the Admiralty in … Read more

The right balance must be struck as measures are introduced to protect public privacy, according to the opening speakers of the 45th Global Privacy Assembly Annual Meeting last night. The conference, organised by the Global Privacy Assembly, has brought together hundreds of international regulators and policymakers at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club to discuss global technology and … Read more

The Minister of Home Affairs is being urged to follow the planning board’s recommendation and turn down a special development order for the Fairmont Southampton. While Westend Properties sought an SDO to pave the way for up to 250 units at the hotel, the Development Applications Board agreed with the Department of Planning that the proposal was in direct … Read more

A scavenger hunt and traditional games will be among the activities on offer for children at a Bermuda National Trust event on Saturday. The charity will host a free open house at Verdmont Museum, which was built in about 1700 and is one of the earliest surviving houses on the island. A spokesman said: “It represents generations of … Read more

The Bermuda National Trust invites the public to come to Verdmont Museum for a free open house on Saturday [Oct 14]. A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda National Trust is inviting everyone to Verdmont Museum for a free open house on Saturday 14 October. Built about 1700, Verdmont is one of the earliest surviving houses in Bermuda. It represents generations of … Read more

Thirty staff from a reinsurance firm helped to spruce up a nature reserve, planting new trees, clearing the trails, cleaning signage, removing trash, and pruning and removing invasive species. The Athene employees held their annual volunteer day last week and used the time to work on the Bermuda National Trust’s Sherwin Nature Reserve, which includes Warwick Pond and … Read more

Researchers from Britain are considering a return trip to the Town of St George as part of a five-year study of world heritage sites with links to British colonialism. Professor Emma Waterton, of the University of York, and Professor Jason Dittmer, of University College London, visited Bermuda for the first time in August when they spoke to householders and surveyed … Read more

A second environmental group has urged the Government to reject a request for a special development order by Fairmont Southampton hotel developers. The Bermuda National Trust issued the plea after the controversial SDO application by Westend Properties Limited went before the Development Applications Board last week. The DAB has the authority to recommend to the Government whether or … Read more

A controversial special development order for the Fairmont Southampton property is set to go before the Development Applications Board today. The SDO, which would open the door for a 250-unit tourism and residential development, is one of two items included on the agenda for today’s meeting of the DAB. A recent letter from the agency acting on behalf of … Read more

A devoted actor and mainstay of the Bermuda National Trust brought her love of St George’s history to life in her walking tours of the Old Town. Connie Dey joined the Bermuda Musical and Dramatic Society in 1959 and introduced cultural tourism to the trust not long after its inception in 1970. Ms Dey’s awards included recognition in … Read more

The Bermuda National Trust hopes to create a “stronghold” for endemic plants at a Paget nature reserve on the Railway Trail. According to a conservation management plan submitted to the Department of Planning, only about a third of the plants at the Rebecca Middleton Nature Reserve are native or endemic, but the BNT hopes to bring that figure to … Read more

Over a six-week period, 15 interns were paired with 15 Bermudian organisations and assisted with social-media content planning and creation. The internships started with an introduction to marketing, promotion and social media. Interns were also taught to create compelling content and a social-media strategy specific to their host organisation. The interns and the organisations with which they were … Read more

Environmental groups opposed to the redevelopment of the Fairmont Southampton hotel have cried foul over a government timeline to file objections. The Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce and the Bermuda National Trust have questioned why they have been given only two weeks to review an 800-page dossier of fresh plans and architectural drawings, submitted by developer Westend Properties immediately … Read more

The Bermuda National Trust [BNT] is inviting the public to an exhibition and sale of silk art by Janet Wingate, titled ‘Salt Water in the Veins: Conjuring home from a landlocked country.’ A spokesperson said, “The exhibition opens on Thursday 10 August from 5:30 to 7:30pm, when the artist will talk briefly about her medium and inspirations. The exhibition will … Read more

“Tokenism” is at play in the revised special development order for the Fairmont Southampton resort, the Bermuda National Trust has charged. Karen Border, the executive director of the environmental charity, said that the scaling down of the SDO fell short of the concerns of protesters against the development of the island’s biggest hotel. The Government has backed the project as … Read more

Plans to build a hotel cottage on the site of a former pumphouse on the coastline of Harrington Sound have been given the green light. The plan, submitted by RWTP Hotels, was recommended for approval by technical officers despite concerns voiced by environmental groups. In June, the Development Applications Board deferred its decision after members questioned the sightlines … Read more

A calendar showcasing some of the best photographs of Bermuda’s architecture is now available. The Bermuda National Trust’s 2024 architectural calendar will feature photographs submitted through its Built Heritage Calendar Photo Contest from earlier this year, instead of its typical practice of highlighting a single artist. Dörte Horsfield, the BNT’s head of development and engagement, said: “This gorgeous … Read more

The Bermuda National Trust [BNT] announced that their annual calendar for 2024 is now available, with the calendar showcasing photography submitted through a Built Heritage Calendar Photo Contest, featuring Bermuda’s unique architecture A spokesperson said,  “The People’s Choice winner was Laurie Zuill, whose stunning photo of Duke of Clarence Street in St. George’s is featured on the front. “The Trust’s … Read more

The Government has neglected some historical buildings to such a degree that they are beyond repair and have to be knocked down, it has been claimed. The Bermuda National Trust made the allegation after it was revealed that plans to refurbish the former official residence of the Deputy Governor had been put on the back burner by Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch, … Read more

The Bermuda National Trust has partnered with Sompo International to hold the third annual event. Anna Stevenson, heritage education co-ordinator for the BNT, said: “We are very pleased to invite Bermuda’s young people to use their artistic talents to explore this year’s theme, Bermuda: People and Parishes. “Whether students focus on the unique aspects of a parish’s natural … Read more

The Bermuda National Trust [BNT] and Sompo International have launched the 3rd annual Student Art Competition, with a theme of “Bermuda: People and Parishes”. “We are very pleased to invite Bermuda’s young people to use their artistic talents to explore this year’s theme, “Bermuda: People and Parishes”. Whether students focus on the unique aspects of a parishes natural or cultural heritage, or … Read more

More than a dozen students in Bermuda are learning the tools of the social-media trade as part of the SkillCraft Youth Internship programme this summer. This year marks the second year of the programme, led by Margot Shane, the coach and programme director. Ms Shane said: “To be afforded the opportunity to run SkillCraft for a second year … Read more

The short-term economic impact of the Bermuda Climate Summit has been estimated at $1.1 million, and supported 311 local jobs, the Bermuda Business Development Agency has reported. The BDA, co-presenters of the conference with Kroll Bond Rating Agency, said that impact included lodging, transportation, food and beverage, retail and recreation. The event, held June 26-27 at Hamilton Princess, … Read more

A conservation management plan has been drafted to protect Spittal Pond from waste from an adjacent dairy farm. The plan, submitted by the Bermuda National Trust, is intended to address any impact the farm has on the pond while bolstering native and endemic plants in the park. “The primary objective is to protect Spittal Pond from pollutants,” the plan … Read more

A team from Somerset Re decided to support St. George’s by taking on Tucker House for their semi-annual Corporate Social Responsibility day. A spokesperson said, “The team of twenty gave back to Bermuda and our World Heritage Site by lending helping hands to the museum and African Diaspora Heritage Trail site in the heart of St. George’s.” BNT’s … Read more

The Bermuda National Trust has welcomed four new directors to its council. The new directors are Andy DeGregorio, Peter Hebberd, Zeudi Hinds and Duncan Simons. Mr DeGregorio, a partner at Deloitte, takes over the role of treasurer and Peter Hebberd, who formerly worked in advertising and marketing, will chair the Development Committee. Zeudi Hinds, business development manager at … Read more

The team behind a series of books detailing Bermuda’s architectural heritage parish-by-parish have been recognised by the Bermuda National Trust for their decades of work. At the BNT’s annual heritage awards held at the Verdmont Museum last Thursday, the Architectural Heritage book team were presented with the trust’s highest honour, the Palmetto Award. A trust spokeswoman said over … Read more

Andy DeGregorio, Peter Hebberd, Zeudi Hinds and Duncan Simons have joined the Bermuda National Trust [BNT] board. A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda National Trust is pleased to announce that four new directors were elected to its Council [Board] at the Annual General Meeting on 15 June. “The new directors are Andy DeGregorio, Peter Hebberd, Zeudi Hinds and Duncan Simons. Andy, … Read more

The Bermuda National Trust heritage awards were recently presented, honouring a number of groups and individuals for their work to “promote Bermuda’s natural and cultural heritage.” A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda National Trust’s annual heritage awards were presented on 15 June. The awards, sponsored by Butterfield & Vallis, recognise individuals, organisations, groups and schools that have worked to protect and promote … Read more

BUILT HERITAGE | JUNE 2023 By Linda Abend and Margie Lloyd, Bermuda National Trust This is part of a series of architectural articles by the Bermuda National Trust that will highlight some of Bermuda’s endangered historic buildings. Teucer House is located on the northwest portion of the eight-acre Dellwood property. Owned by Captain William Smith and his sister … Read more

An environmental charity has completed work on a project hoped to help curb complaints of broken glass at Somerset Long Bay. The Bermuda National Trust, which co-owns the Somerset Long Bay East Nature Reserve with the Bermuda Audubon Society through the joint Buy Back Bermuda initiative, said historical dumping of waste in the area had caused ongoing issues … Read more

Plans to build a parking lot on a portion of Southlands National Park have been scrapped, although developers are still hoping to create an events lawn in the area. The proposed parking lot and events lawn, to be built adjacent to the Bermudiana Beach Resort, was said to be “integral” to the hotel project. However, the plans drew … Read more

Planning officials have urged the Minister of Home Affairs to reject a proposal to build parking and an events lawn on a portion of the Southlands National Park. While the plans were rejected by the Development Applications Board last month, the Bermuda Housing Corporation has appealed the decision on the basis that the project was essential for the success of the … Read more

An archaeological study of Smith’s Island has been awarded a two-year $130,000 grant to help fund its work. Michael Jarvis, who leads the Smith’s Island Archaeology Project, said the project had been granted a US National Endowment for the Humanities Archaeology and Ethnography Fieldwork grant. In a recent blog post, Dr Jarvis said the grant would allow further excavations, … Read more

Environmental groups, who threatened legal action if the Government did not extend the period for objections to the Fairmont Southampton special development order, last night welcomed the granting of extra time. In a statement yesterday, the Ministry of Home Affairs said the initial deadline today had been extended by three weeks to May 26. The ministry later clarified … Read more

The Government is considering the possibility of delisting two Grade 3 listed buildings, according to recent notices. The move comes as the Bermuda National Trust voiced concern over the failure to preserve buildings listed for protection for their architectural and historical value. According to the notices, published in the Official Gazette, Walter Roban, the Minister of Home Affairs, … Read more

Campaigners protesting against the scale of plans for the Fairmont Southampton resort presented the Government with a petition bearing more than 4,000 signatures yesterday morning. About 90 demonstrators gathered on the Cabinet grounds to voice their concerns about the reach of a special development order request submitted by Westend Properties, the hotel’s owner and an affiliate of Miami-based … Read more

Help us choose the People’s Choice Winner! We received over 200 spectacular images and narrowed it down to 50 images, which will be featured on the 12 calendar pages. All finalists have been contacted at this point. We are pleased to share the 12 images chosen by BNT staff members and volunteers for your help voting for the ‘People’s … Read more

Hotel developer Gencom is holding the island “over a barrel” in its demands for the Fairmont Southampton development, it has been claimed. Charles Jeffers II, the former chief executive of the Bermuda Tourism Authority, added that the Government had “zero leverage” in any negotiations. Mr Jeffers spoke out after resort investors threatened to pull the plug on the … Read more

Parishes across the island have been urged to compete with each other to see who can have the most positive environmental impact on Earth Day. The global event on April 22 was launched to encourage people to get involved in grass-roots green issues. Eugene Dean, head of the renewable energy advocate group Greenrock, called on Bermudians to show their commitment … Read more

An online petition calling for the redevelopment of the Fairmont Southampton hotel to be scaled back has attracted more than 2,500 signatories. The petition, launched on the change.org website on Friday, states: “We, the undersigned, are deeply concerned about the proposed new special development order for the Southampton Princess Hotel that would allow for more and taller buildings.” It … Read more

Environmental groups have been “bombarded” with calls from members of the public who are “outraged” at the redevelopment plans for the Fairmont Southampton hotel. Residents are being urged to apply “public pressure” to the Government with a view to getting the project scaled back. But the company behind the development has defended its plans, claiming that in order … Read more