BSkyB, the U.K. satellite pay-TV operator, will invest 1 million British pounds ($1.7 billion) in a partnership with conservation group the National Trust, including developing a series of high-definition (HD) TV programs.

The partnership, the first major program sponsorship announced by the National Trust, will create a series of family events designed to attract new members and bring a new generation of visitors to National Trust properties throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Sky will sponsor National Trust’s Family Program events, including outdoor family theatre and activities such as Easter egg hunts and Halloween trails at more than 100 properties per year, through 2007.

Artsworld, the arts channel from Sky, will broadcast a 10-part series of profiles of National Trust properties in HD beginning in mid 2006.