About us
Our Purpose
We are a conservation led
charity on a mission
We’re here to connect people with nature and inspire generations to become ambassadors for the environment. Through our continuous care of Markshall Estate, we strive to advance our knowledge of the natural environment and to be leaders in conservation, education, research and climate action.
Why we exist
Thomas Phillips Price, the last owner of Markshall Estate could see the global importance of growing our understanding of nature, biodiversity and sustainable land management. With his strong ties to Kew Gardens, he wanted to ensure that nature is always protected, valued and managed sustainably here at Markshall Estate.
In his will, set out in 1927, Thomas Phillips Price decreed that, upon the death of his wife, Mary, Markshall Estate should be left to the nation for ‘the advancement, in the interests of the nation, of agriculture, arboriculture and forestry’. The charity was formally approved four decades later in 1971, following Mary’s death in 1966. It is Price’s mission, written almost one hundred years ago, which we follow today.
How we bring this purpose to life
For conservation
We are champions of landscape conservation and sustainability. Our work focuses on the protection, preservation, and restoration of the natural environment and habitats through the ways in which we manage our land and work with our local community to create a landscape where both people and nature can thrive.
For people
Markshall Estate has been a home for people and nature for 1,000 years. Community and our visitors are at the heart of what we do. By enabling exploration, adventure and relaxation, we hope to help people find the beauty in nature and the positive impact that it can have on our health and wellbeing.
For the environment
We take people on a journey that encourages them to see the world differently and make positive changes for nature. Through our work, our conversations, and our relationships with our members and visitors, we strive to increase awareness and understanding of environmental, ecological and nature conservation issues.
For the future
We are future thinkers, interested in innovative ways to approach land management and increase our understanding and practice in agriculture, arboriculture and horticulture. Through our work, we seek to become an exemplar site for conservation practices and play a national role in this area.
Benefits for people and nature
- We will continue to manage the landscape for everyone to enjoy
- We will provide opportunities for everyone to engage with nature conservation, learn some new skills and help the environment
- We will be open and honest about our work through our public communications, and we want you to be a part of it
- We will ensure the continued survival of the farmland, ancient woodlands and buildings under our care, to maintain our high nature conservation value and rich heritage.
- We will work to ensure our land use becomes a model for resilient, regenerative, and climate-positive agriculture, arboriculture, and forestry
- We will work with our local communities and partners to develop ways to make Markshall Estate a valuable part of the community and nation.
Support us
We are passionate about the future of Markshall Estate and the role it can play in nature and landscape conservation. As a charity, we rely on your support. Find out how you can support us.
Find out more