INTO Board’s inspiring week in London

Celebrating heritage, leadership and collaboration

From the historic halls of Scotney Castle to the vibrant discussions at Canada House, the INTO Board’s week in London (30 June – 4 July 2025) was a powerful reminder of the relevance of cultural and natural heritage in our rapidly changing world.

Once upon a time… A Princess came to Scotney Castle

The week began with a fairytale moment as HRH Princess Dana Firas of Jordan, Chair of INTO and global advocate for sustainable heritage, visited Scotney Castle in Kent. Guided by National Trust staff, HRH explored the collection, admired historic garments including a recently discovered Schiaparelli couture dress and planted iris bulbs in honour of Jordan’s national flower. Her reflections on climate change and community engagement set the tone for a week of thoughtful dialogue.

A Canadian perspective at Quebec House

New Board member, Patricia Kell, Executive Director of the National Trust for Canada, added a TAP INTO exchange to her UK visit. Alongside contributions to Board discussions, Patricia engaged in a programme of learning and collaboration, including meetings with National Trust colleagues, a visit to Dyrham Park, and a deep dive into the layered history of Quebec House in Kent. Discussions centred on how heritage sites can responsibly interpret colonial legacies while fostering inclusive storytelling.

Strategic conversations at Osterley Manor

At Osterley Manor, INTO Board members met with National Trust senior leaders to explore strategic goals around access, engagement and sustainability. The roundtable generated ideas for collaboration, particularly youth engagement, shared learning and joint campaigning, reinforcing the shared mission of INTO and the National Trust.

Lessons from Petra at the V&A

In a sold-out lecture at the V&A Museum, hosted by our friends at Culture in Crisis, HRH Princess Dana Firas shared insights from her work at Petra, Jordan and across the world. The conversation explored:

• The importance of representing local communities in globally significant heritage sites
• Navigating competing priorities in heritage management
• The role of international collaboration
• Embedding sustainability in cultural preservation

Her message was clear: heritage is not just about the past. It’s a tool for shaping a more inclusive and resilient future.

INTO Board Meeting and Leadership Summit

The formal INTO Board Meeting addressed key governance topics, including regional representation, membership insights and investment strategies. This was followed by a Leadership Summit at Flanders House, facilitated by our partners from Cultural Associates Oxford.

INTO Heritage Leaders alumni and National Trust colleagues reflected on the impact of the programme and explored how INTO can evolve its leadership development to be more inclusive, accessible and globally representative.

Shakespeare in the garden

A joyful evening at Morden Hall Park brought the Board together for a picnic and performance of Twelfth Night in the Rose Garden. It was a reminder of the power of heritage spaces to foster community, creativity and connection.

INTO Symposium at Canada House

The week culminated in the INTO Symposium: Uniting Global Voices for Heritage and Nature at Canada House, where youth leaders, heritage professionals and international experts gathered to share stories and strategies. Themes included island stewardship, climate resilience and cultural preservation. The energy and optimism in the room were palpable.

Looking ahead

As the Board departed London, it was clear that INTO is more than an association or organisation. It’s a movement. A movement rooted in collaboration, driven by community and inspired by the belief that heritage (built, natural, tangible and intangible) connects us all.