The Linnean Society Of London
The Society's Royal Charter 1802 states the purpose as 'The Cultivation of the Science of Natural History in all its branches'. We have three key charitable activities:1) safeguarding and promoting our heritage collections; 2) advancing scientific knowledge and understanding; 3) engaging the public and educational outreach. Our vision is a world where nature is understood, valued and protected.
Activities & Mission
The Society's Royal Charter 1802 states the purpose as 'The Cultivation of the Science of Natural History in all its branches'. We have three key charitable activities:1) safeguarding and promoting our heritage collections; 2) advancing scientific knowledge and understanding; 3) engaging the public and educational outreach. Our vision is a world where nature is understood, valued and protected.
Areas of Operation
Where this charity is registered to operate, as self-declared to the Charity Commission. These are regulatory classifications, not a list of active programmes, and don't necessarily indicate fundraising activity in each location.
Region
Financial Information
Financial Efficiency
Higher than 40% of UK Heritage charities with income £1M to £10M (sample: 153). How is this calculated?
Higher than 82% of UK Heritage charities with income £1M to £10M. How is this calculated?
Lower overhead than 60% of UK Heritage charities with income £1M to £10M. (Lower overhead is generally read as more efficient.) How is this calculated?
Latest Financial Breakdown
Income Sources
Expenditure Categories
Financial Trend
Annual Returns
As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2025.
| Financial Year | Income | Expenditure | Charitable Spending | Net Assets | Reserves | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | £2,632,979 | £2,008,737 | £1,975,982 | £12,062,607 | £4,087,012 | 23 / 9 |
| 2024 | £2,275,510 | £1,888,952 | £1,851,618 | £11,017,843 | £3,069,707 | 22 / 9 |
| 2023 | £2,442,501 | £2,008,617 | £1,983,137 | £10,327,508 | £4,704,438 | 23 / 3 |
| 2022 | £2,044,826 | £1,651,614 | £1,628,168 | £9,524,279 | £3,823,293 | 23 / 10 |
| 2021 | £2,500,544 | £1,583,441 | £1,559,855 | £9,695,750 | £3,595,108 | 21 / 5 |
Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers
Frequently asked questions about The Linnean Society Of London
What does The Linnean Society Of London do?
The Society's Royal Charter 1802 states the purpose as 'The Cultivation of the Science of Natural History in all its branches'. We have three key charitable activities:1) safeguarding and promoting our heritage collections; 2) advancing scientific knowledge and understanding; 3) engaging the public and educational outreach. Our vision is a world where nature is understood, valued and protected.
How much income did The Linnean Society Of London report in 2025?
The Linnean Society Of London reported total income of £2.63m and reported expenditure of £2.01m for the financial year ending 2025, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.
How efficient is The Linnean Society Of London?
The Linnean Society Of London has a program ratio of 75.0%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 40% of UK Heritage charities with income £1M to £10M (sample of 153 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.
When was The Linnean Society Of London registered as a charity?
The Linnean Society Of London was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 4 June 1964 as charity number 220509. It has been registered for 62 years.
Who runs The Linnean Society Of London?
The Linnean Society Of London is governed by a board of 14 trustees. The chair of trustees is Dr Mark Francis Watson. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.
Where does The Linnean Society Of London operate?
The Linnean Society Of London operates in England, as recorded in its Charity Commission filing.
Is The Linnean Society Of London a registered charity?
Yes — The Linnean Society Of London is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 220509.
Details
BURLINGTON HOUSE
PICCADILLY
LONDON
W1J 0BF
Registry Information
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Trustees
Also governs 1 other charity
Also governs 1 other charity
Also governs 1 other charity
Data & trust
- Register data refreshed
- 30 July 2026
- Methodology
- How metrics are calculated