Historical treasures such as Moonray Manor have a greater chance of survival if the community rallies together to save them, explained Jennifer Gray, executive director of Bermuda National Trust.

In a speech to Hamilton Rotary Club yesterday Ms Gray discussed the historic property, also known as Lane School on East Broadway, which recently came under threat to be demolished and rezoned for commercial use. The school, west of Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, was built in 1834 by the Anglican Church and was one of the first of seven schools used to educate newly emancipated children.

Ms Gray said: "It's up to the people of Bermuda, the people that value their culture and history to come forward as they have in this case, to express their concern if they don't want to see it go. Not only that but help to provide a solution to preserve it.

"The National Trust just can't do it all, and at some point we have to remain focused on what we do well and not try and solve the problems of the whole world. This is where I am looking to engage the next generation and embrace the wider community to understand what we are doing. We are not doing it for the Trust, we are doing for it everybody."

Though BNT has already made an objection to the property's rezoning, Ms Gray stressed there were no development plans in the works for the building, and said land owners were simply exploring future options.

The BNT was established in 1970 to preserve the Island's architectural, historical and environmental treasures and encourage the public to use and enjoy these properties. Since its inception, it has acquired 76 properties covering more than 250 acres of land, which includes traditional houses, gardens, cemeteries, nature reserves and coastlines.

According to Ms Gray, the BNT relies entirely on revenue from donations, legacies and membership prescriptions.

"Our members and friends are from all walks of life having a common love of Bermuda and a (belief) that its special aspects should be safeguarded for joy now and always" she said. But like many other charities they have been impacted by the economic downturn and need the public's support to continue their works.

Ms Gray encourages everyone to assist the BNT, whether it be through volunteering, becoming a member or taking part in events going on now, such as the exhibit at Verdmont House, in honour of the Island's 400th Anniversary. There are also fine art and decorative objects on display at the National Gallery, from now until December; and an annual Christmas Walkabout in St. George's, which Ms Gray calls "the unofficial beginning of Christmas Season"

She concluded: "I reach out to all of you today to be conscious of you own enrichening heritage, to enjoy the wild side and spend some time in nature and appreciate what the trust diligently holds for you, your children and the generations to come."