TREE FOUNDATION - Annual Impact Report 2025
Building a National Archive of Truth
1. Introduction from the Founder
2025 marked TREE’s transition from a family archive into a growing national organisation. Our mission remains clear. Make primary sources accessible. Build trust in evidence. Equip the next generation to discuss Britain’s slavery and colonial past with clarity.
TREE is now an active contributor across regional and national heritage networks. This report highlights the achievements, partnerships and public impact of our first full operational year.
2. 2025 Highlights at a Glance
Achievements and Operations
• Seven historical Caribbean newspapers prepared for publication
• Estate documents readied for exhibition
• Gift Aid registration completed
• TREE website expanded as a knowledge hub
Key Deliverables
• TREE launch at Dyrham Park
• Beckford’s Tower learning session
• Archival workshop with Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre (WSHC)
• Lacock evidence pack
• TES resource released nationally
3. Partnerships and Collaborations
TREE strengthened its position as a trusted partner by working across archives, schools and heritage institutions. Highlights include:
• Public launch and exhibition at Dyrham Park
• Verified evidence submitted to Lacock Abbey
• Learning sessions with Beckford’s Tower
• Policy feedback provided to the Bath Colonialism Action Group
• New education partnership with Kingswood School
• Ongoing collaboration with University of Bristol
• Support from Cyan Ltd and service partners such as Corsham Print, Right Angle Picture Framing and JSD Photography
4. Education and Public Engagement
• Delivered a learning session for young people at Beckford’s Tower
• Developed Windrush workshops based on Desmond Johnston’s lived experience
• Began designing 2026 programmes for School workshops
• Received TREE’s first home education enquiry
• Released TREE’s TES classroom resource, used nationally by teachers
• Published the Words Matter guidance to support accurate and inclusive language
5. Publications and Research
Ledger of Lives made significant progress in 2025, with transcriptions, annotations, timeline development and methodology work completed. Publication is scheduled for December 2026.
TREE also produced two major research outputs:
• The Lacock Abbey Evidence Pack
• Archival guidance relating to the Bath and West Society
6. People at TREE
Youth Leadership
Sunday Johnston played a central role in TREE’s public engagement, co-presenting at events and supporting education development.
Education Lead
Verity Johnston led the design of classroom materials and preparation for future school programmes.
Founder Recognition
Matt Johnston received the Royal Humane Society’s Testimonial on Parchment for lifesaving action. The award has been added to the TREE display collection and forms part of the Foundation’s public biography. This recognition reflects TREE’s ethos of responsibility, service and leadership.
7. Looking Ahead to 2026
TREE will focus on:
• Delivering School sessions
• Developing an exhibition with Bath Abbey
• Strengthening academic and education partnerships
• Expanding TES resources
• Launching the Words Matter campaign
• Scaling public engagement
• Laying foundations for the 2033 bicentenary decade
8. Thank You
TREE began with one family archive.
In 2025 it became a national project rooted in evidence, accessibility and public engagement.
Thank you for supporting TREE in its first full year.
We look forward to continuing this work in 2026.
Special Thanks
A special thank you to JSD Photography.
Jed has documented TREE’s journey throughout 2025, capturing the launch at Dyrham Park, education sessions and ongoing archive work. His contribution has helped shape TREE’s visual story and ensures our work is recorded with care and accuracy.
9. Support TREE’s Work
TREE’s progress in 2025 has been made possible through partnership and shared commitment. As our education programmes expand and preparations begin for future exhibitions, we welcome support from individuals, schools and organisations who share our mission.
As a Gift Aid-registered charity, TREE can increase the value of eligible donations by 25 percent. We also offer sponsorship opportunities for businesses wishing to support education, heritage and public engagement.
If you would like to contribute to TREE’s work or explore partnership options, please contact us via the TREE website.