The National Trust has received the largest donation in its 131-year history, from philanthropist Humphrey Battcock.

Battcock, who has worked in private equity for the last 30 years and was awarded a CBE last year for tackling homelessness and supporting education, has pledged £10m in unrestricted funding to the heritage and conservation charity.

National Trust director general Hilary McGrady said: “When I think of all the vital work this money will fund, I am bowled over. But most of all, I am energised by the faith Humphrey has shown in our strategic approach by making his generous donation unrestricted.

“Humphrey wholeheartedly believes in the direction of travel at the Trust and our ambitious plans to tackle challenges – from climate change to unequal access – that will define our generation and generations to come.”

The donation has been made three months after the charity axed 500 jobs to make savings amid “sustained cost pressures”.

McGrady added that the money will be used “to halt the freefall decline in nature before it becomes irreversible; end unequal access to nature, beauty and history; and inspire millions more people to care for the world around them”.

Battcock has served on more than 20 company boards and currently sits on the board of Cambridge Innovation Capital. He is a trustee of charities including Teach First and the Centre for Homelessness Impact, and is a former trustee of the Woodland Trust.

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