Inspiration, Ideas and Action: Reflections from a visit to the National Trust of Zimbabwe

INTO’s community of practice for Tropical Gardens knowledge exchange recently met in person, thanks to a matrix of TAP INTO grant-funded meetings. This blog from Helena Bennett, Director of St. Helena National Trust, shares learning from a visit to the National Trust of Zimbabwe.

Some trips stay with you long after you return home. Our recent visit to the National Trust of Zimbabwe was one of those experiences. For the past 16 months, the St Helena National Trust (SHNT) has been part of the INTO Tropical Gardens Community of Practice, meeting regularly online with fellow National Trusts to share stories, ideas, challenges and aspirations. While virtual meetings are invaluable, there is something special about meeting face-to-face. Conversations become richer, relationships deepen, and ideas flow more naturally.

Thanks to support from INTO, Helena Bennett and Martina Peters had the opportunity to travel to Zimbabwe in May 2026 to spend a week with colleagues from the National Trust of Zimbabwe. As the closest National Trust in the group to St Helena geographically, it was a rare and exciting opportunity for in-person knowledge exchange.

At Worlds View with Dot, Martina, Matirina Andras and Noel Kanera

One of the first things we noticed was how differently our two organisations operate. Our visit began with a meeting of the National Trust of Zimbabwe Council, a passionate and dedicated group of volunteers committed to protecting Zimbabwe’s heritage. We were welcomed with genuine warmth and hospitality from the moment we arrived.

While the St Helena National Trust operates through an established office supported by volunteer Council members, the National Trust of Zimbabwe is largely driven by volunteers and is responsible for managing seven properties across the country. Despite our different structures, it quickly became clear that we share many of the same goals, challenges and ambitions.

Throughout the visit, we were generously hosted by David Cozen, whose knowledge, enthusiasm and commitment to heritage conservation were evident in every discussion.

One of the greatest benefits of exchanges like this is the opportunity to learn from one another.

Many of our conversations focused on the realities of managing heritage sites and conservation projects in a constantly changing world. A recurring theme was the importance of funding. Both organisations recognise the ongoing need to seek grants, build partnerships, engage with institutions and strengthen regional and international networks.At the same time, we were pleased to contribute our own ideas and experiences. Discussions around the Murawah Hill Visitor Centre project explored how the site could support education and outreach activities while remaining sustainable in the long term. We also talked about practical considerations such as rainwater harvesting and visitor engagement opportunities.

Together, we explored ways to attract visitors through experiences such as stargazing, birdwatching, wellness activities and nature-based tourism. These conversations reminded us that heritage and conservation sites can offer much more than traditional visitor experiences.

New ideas and fresh perspectives

One of the most inspiring aspects of the visit was seeing the pride and care invested in the properties under the stewardship of the National Trust of Zimbabwe. The beautifully maintained landscapes, extensive use of indigenous plants and carefully designed gardens demonstrated a deep commitment to conservation and public engagement. We were particularly impressed by the layout and organisation of the nurseries, the presentation of plant collections and the stunning orchid nursery. These examples sparked many ideas about how we might further develop and enhance our own sites on St Helena.

Perhaps the most valuable outcome of the visit was not a specific project idea or funding opportunity, but the reminder that we are part of a wider community of people working towards similar goals. Whether conserving heritage buildings, protecting landscapes, engaging communities or creating meaningful visitor experiences, National Trusts around the world face many of the same challenges. Sharing experiences helps us learn, adapt and find new ways forward.

We returned to St Helena with fresh perspectives, renewed motivation and a notebook full of ideas. More importantly, we returned with stronger relationships and a deeper appreciation of the power of collaboration.

We extend our sincere thanks to INTO for making this exchange possible and to the National Trust of Zimbabwe for their incredible hospitality, generosity and friendship. We look forward to continuing these conversations and exploring future opportunities to work together.

Sometimes the greatest value of a journey lies not in where you go, but in the people you meet and the ideas you bring home.