The National Trust (NT) has revealed plans to reduce the use of fossil fuels across its portfolio of properties by 50 per cent over the next ten years.

It is hoped that the move, which will affect 300 historic houses, visitor centres and holiday cottages, will help the organisation to reduce its carbon emissions by 45 per cent by 2020. More than 50 wood fuel boilers will be installed at the NT's mansions and larger buildings within the next five years, with fuel sourced from the trust's own estates or local suppliers.

NT director general Fiona Reynolds said: "World leaders may not have provided a political solution to the climate change problem at Copenhagen, but that should not delay us from delivering practical solutions on the ground. "The trust has a responsibility to look after the special places in our care for ever, requiring us to make long term decisions that will protect them for future generations to enjoy."