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Marking the End of our 50th Anniversary Year

Tuesday 15th November 2022, marks Markshall Estate’s 51st anniversary as a charitable trust. In this blog we reflect on what has been an amazing year of 50th anniversary celebrations and remember the man who left our incredible landscape as a gift to the nation.

In 1927, Thomas Phillips Price left Markshall Estate to the nation in his will, for ‘the advancement, in the interests of the nation, of agriculture, arboriculture and forestry.’
Who was Thomas Phillips Price?

Thomas was the last private owner of Markshall, who had a vision of what the landscape could be. He understood the global importance of growing our knowledge of nature, biodiversity, and sustainable land management. The strong links he formed with Kew Gardens influenced his passion to ensure that nature is always protected, valued, and managed sustainably on our 2,350-acre estate.

The charity was formally established in 1971, following the death of Thomas’ wife, Mary who had a life interest in the estate. It is Price’s mission, written almost one hundred years ago, which we follow today.

In November 2021, we kick-started half a century as a charity with an official birthday which saw discounted entry, fun and crafts in the Wild Wood, competitions and of course birthday cake! The winter months which followed saw trails, a Christmas Market, Storytelling with Father Christmas, and live music in the Arboretum.

As the days grew longer, we saw plenty of the local community visiting to see the snowdrops in Robins Grove. The months which followed saw a busy time for the Arboretum Team. In February, Storm Eunice caused damage to several of our trees, including a 50ft Sycamore which up-rooted in Robins Grove. Two Wollemi pines, donated by Paul Story, were added to our collection – the largest in Europe.

The transition from winter to spring was a much-welcomed event. It brought beautiful blossom, the reopening of the Walled Garden and some exciting events. On Thursday 24 March we held the 77th anniversary service for Operation Varsity, in which we also commemorated the 75th anniversary, missed due to the pandemic. It was a special day and one which will stay with the Team.

In April, we saw lots of families searching the Arboretum for hidden easter eggs. There was, of course, a golden easter egg for our 50th anniversary! We were lucky to have more blossom appearing later in the season and plenty of ducklings around our lakes and Robin’s Brook.


Easter was followed by a Safari Trail which saw wooden animals hidden in the relevant geographic zones. Then came Jubilee week and even more 50th celebrations with a special Family Crown Trail, live music, face painting, solar gazing and more.

The months which followed, were busy, preparing for Sculpture in the Walled Garden. The Horticulture and Arboretum Team worked hard to prepare the Walled Garden for the exhibition and even found time to grow produce for the Orchard Kitchen in the Nursery.

The months which followed, were busy, preparing for Sculpture in the Walled Garden. The Horticulture and Arboretum Team worked hard to prepare the Walled Garden for the exhibition and even found time to grow produce for the Orchard Kitchen in the Nursery.

July saw the opening of Sculpture in the Walled Garden, with more than 160 pieces by 33 national and international sculptors making their way to Markshall. The exhibition was enjoyed by thousands of visitors over the next two months all coming to see the beautiful pieces of art and to see the grounds in the summer. Throughout July and August, we also saw an incredible Opera Evening on Pound Field, and Immersion Theatre returned for more performances. This Summer we also faced challenges due to the heat. It was a constant cycle of selective watering.

The hot weather led to autumn colour appearing early this year with trees in the Asia and North America geographic zones looking particularly amazing. On Saturday 24 September we were delighted to unveil a blue plaque in dedication to Mary Honywood. You can find out more about Mary Honywood here.

The end of the 50th anniversary year saw the return of our Pumpkin Trail and thousands of visitors searched the arboretum for pumpkins, joined in with activities at the Wild Wood and meeting the Arboretum Team.


In all, it has been an amazing anniversary year and we have enjoyed welcoming everyone to Markshall. Every ticket, events booking and donation goes directly into supporting the important work we do as a charitable trust and aids the vision set by Thomas Phillips Price. Thank your continued support into our 51st year.


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