The catastrophic dumbing-down of the National Trust has plumbed new depths. The latest initiative by the infantilised morons who run what was once the world’s greatest conservation charity? ‘Pokémon in Partnership with National Trust.’

‘Are you ready for an adventure?’ the Trust’s website declares. ‘Get outdoors with our Pokémon Trading Card Game Mega Evolution Trails. Complete the trails to find Mega Evolution Pokémon, discover their powers and complete fun challenges.’

From 23 May, 15 of the Trust’s sublime houses, with their Elysian landscapes, will become a playground for a vast Japanese media franchise. Those heavenly landscapes, carved out by man at his aesthetic heights, will be blighted by man at his trashy, commercial low. Because, as the Trust’s website proudly boasts, ‘You’ll also get to take a photo in front of the Mega Evolution Pokémon backdrop at the end.’

How horrified descendants of former owners will be to see how the Trust has wrecked its divine inheritance

How horrified descendants of former owners will be to see how the Trust has wrecked its divine inheritance

Dyrham Park, Wimpole Hall, Kingston Lacy, Belton, Blickling Hall, Belton House… Some of the greatest combinations of house and landscape on the planet. Now just ace settings for children’s games.

There’s nothing wrong with children playing Pokémon. We all go........

© The Spectator