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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.

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
£124,804,000
Latest Expenditure
£132,971,000

Financial Efficiency

Program Ratio 80.2%
% of income going directly to charitable activities
Overall Efficiency 75.3%
% of expenditure going to programs (vs overhead)
Administrative Ratio 25.4%
Overhead (fundraising + governance) as % of total expenditure

Latest Financial Breakdown

Income Sources

Donations & Legacies £16,462,000
Charitable Activities £67,361,000
Other Trading £39,443,000
Investments £762,000
Other Income £776,000

Expenditure Categories

Charitable Expenditure £100,093,000
Raising Funds £32,329,000
Governance £1,471,000
Grants to Institutions £0
Other Expenditure £549,000

Financial Trend

Annual Returns

As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2025.

Financial YearIncomeExpenditureCharitable SpendingNet AssetsReservesStaff
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
2021
£67,359,000
£66,867,000£50,765,000£176,690,000£1,792,0001010 / 2110

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 2025?

The Royal Horticultural Society reported total income of £124.80m and reported expenditure of £132.97m for the financial year ending 2025, 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 17 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

Address
THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
80 VINCENT SQUARE
LONDON
SW1P 2PE
Registration Date
31 July 1963
Status
Registered

Registry Information

Organisation Number
222879
Charity Number
222879

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Trustees

Keith Charles Frederick Weed CBE Chair
Also governs 2 other charities
Anthony Kirkham
Claire Rose Austin
Darren Share
Elizabeth Margaret Nicholson
Helen Louise Cox
James Donald Hitchmough
Kate Lampard
Matthew Davies
Matthew Philip Lindsey-Clark
Also governs 1 other charity
Nicholas Dunn
Pamela Maynard
Prof Nicola Spence
Ruth Willmott
Susan Jane Beesley
Tazim Essani
Wesley Albert Kerr

Sectors & Classifications

Also Known As

  • R H S
  • Rhs

Data & trust

Register data refreshed
14 May 2026
Report a data issue