Buildings Trusts exist to further the restoration and re-use of historic buildings, primarily those that are Listed or in Conservation Areas. Listed Buildings are those deemed to be of national architectural or historical interest, while Conservation Areas are designated because they containing groups of buildings that form a significant part of the built heritage. The Staffordshire Moorlands (excluding the Peak Park) has over a 1,000 Listed Buildings and 17 Conservation areas.
Some Buildings Trusts cover a wide area, others were set up to create a future for a single building. Most are members of the Association of Preservation Trusts. This recently widened its brief to include other charities working with historic buildings and was renamed the Heritage Trust Network. The Heritage Trust Network provides specialist training days, and on-line advice. It is closely linked to the Architectural Heritage Fund which provides funding for the early stages of a project. Funding for both came originally from government sources.