National Trust membership has hit 5.6 million in a record year for conservation spending.

The charity spent more than £148 million on projects in 2018-19, according to its annual report.

Membership has also gone up by more than 300,000 in the same period.

Money has gone towards the restoration of the war memorial on Scafell Pike in the Lake District, and the re-introduction of water voles on Exmoor.

The NT spent £10 million more than the previous year.

Buildings and collections accounted for £104.5 million, £35.7 million went on coast and countryside, and £8.2 million on gardens.

Nearly five million hours of time came from 65,000 volunteers.

Sharon Pickford, Director of Support and Revenue, said:

“These latest figures are not only great news for the National Trust as a charity, but also for the hundreds of special places we look after.

“Our work to care for these places is only possible through the generosity of our members, visitors, volunteers, funders and donors.

“Without them, we simply wouldn’t be able to spend record levels on conservation and access work to ensure more people have a great experience when they come to our places.”