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The Royal Horticultural Society

Notable UK charity

Also known as: R H S, Rhs

The RHS was founded in 1804 to inspire passion and excellence in horticulture. We want to enrich everyone's life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place. To achieve our aim we undertake scientific research; provide education, training and horticultural advice; support community horticulture projects; and share our renowned gardens and shows with the public.

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Activities & Mission

The RHS was founded in 1804 to inspire passion and excellence in horticulture. We want to enrich everyone's life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place. To achieve our aim we undertake scientific research; provide education, training and horticultural advice; support community horticulture projects; and share our renowned gardens and shows with the public.

Grants

The Royal Horticultural Society makes grants as part of its work.

Gives grants to
individuals
Total spending (2026)
£137,422,000
Only charities with income over £500,000 file a separate grants figure.
Who it helps
children and young people and the general public
What it supports
education and training, arts, culture, heritage, or science, the environment, conservation, or heritage and economic or community development and employment

As recorded with the Charity Commission. To ask about applying, use the contact details and check the trustees and latest accounts below.

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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.

Financial Information

Latest Income
£133,675,000
Latest Expenditure
£137,422,000

Financial Efficiency

Program Ratio 77.3%
% of income going directly to charitable activities
Overall Efficiency 75.2%
% of expenditure going to programs (vs overhead)
Administrative Ratio 26.0%
Overhead (fundraising + governance) as % of total expenditure

Latest Financial Breakdown

Income Sources

Donations & Legacies £16,582,000
Charitable Activities £72,549,000
Other Trading £43,054,000
Investments £679,000
Other Income £811,000

Expenditure Categories

Charitable Expenditure £103,273,000
Raising Funds £34,149,000
Governance £1,551,000
Grants to Institutions £0
Other Expenditure £0

Financial Trend

Annual Returns

As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2026.

Financial YearIncomeExpenditureCharitable SpendingNet AssetsReservesStaff
2026
£133,675,000
£137,422,000£103,273,000£179,568,000£01269 / 2157
2025
£124,804,000
£132,971,000£100,093,000£182,572,000£01267 / 2081
2024
£120,496,000
£124,815,000£93,971,000£187,724,000£2,607,0001232 / 2011
2023
£122,096,000
£120,423,000£96,267,000£195,181,000£7,900,0001172 / 1831
2022
£110,516,000
£102,893,000£80,228,000£188,100,000£9,689,0001036 / 1753

Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers

Frequently asked questions about The Royal Horticultural Society

What does The Royal Horticultural Society do?

The RHS was founded in 1804 to inspire passion and excellence in horticulture. We want to enrich everyone's life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place. To achieve our aim we undertake scientific research; provide education, training and horticultural advice; support community horticulture projects; and share our renowned gardens and shows with the public.

How much income did The Royal Horticultural Society report in 2026?

The Royal Horticultural Society reported total income of £133.68m and reported expenditure of £137.42m for the financial year ending 2026, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.

When was The Royal Horticultural Society registered as a charity?

The Royal Horticultural Society was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 31 July 1963 as charity number 222879. It has been registered for 63 years.

Who runs The Royal Horticultural Society?

The Royal Horticultural Society is governed by a board of 18 trustees. The chair of trustees is Keith Charles Frederick Weed CBE. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.

Where does The Royal Horticultural Society operate?

The Royal Horticultural Society operates across 3 areas: Northern Ireland, Scotland and England And Wales.

Is The Royal Horticultural Society a registered charity?

Yes — The Royal Horticultural Society is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 222879.

Details

Contact (address, email, phone)
Registration Date
31 July 1963
Status
Registered

Registry Information

Organisation Number
222879
Charity Number
222879

Other notable Facilities charities

Major UK charities in the same primary sector, drawn from the curated priority cohort.

Trustees

Keith Charles Frederick Weed CBE Chair
Also governs 1 other charity
Anthony Kirkham
Claire Rose Austin
Dame Karen Pierce
Darren Share
Elizabeth Margaret Nicholson
Helen Louise Cox
James Donald Hitchmough
Kate Lampard
Matthew Davies
Nicholas Dunn
Prof Nicola Horsley CBE
Also governs 1 other charity
Ruth Willmott
Stephen Guy Hill
Susan Jane Beesley
Tazim Essani
Wesley Albert Kerr

Sectors & Classifications

Also Known As

  • R H S
  • Rhs

Data & trust

Register data refreshed
2 November 2026
Report a data issue