WILTON ESTATE TODAY
Wilton Estate is approximately one-third of the size it was in the 1870’s, and today
it comprises 14,000 acres in a single block of land extending over the valleys of
the Wylye and Nadder rivers, with the largest wood in the south of England, Grovely
Wood, surmounting the hill between the two valleys.
The social economic and political changes of the past 150 years, combined with the
changes brought about by two World Wars, have necessitated the introduction of modern
management techniques in order to ensure the long-term survival of the Estate. While
farming, and the letting of farms and residential and commercial properties still
form the traditional core of Estate business, recent years have seen the establishment
of various tourist related retail operations. Salisbury Racecourse and South Wilts
Golf Course are also on the Estate.
Our farming practices reflect the need for food production, but organic farming of
the in-hand beef and sheep and local conservation projects play an important role
today in achieving a balanced farming economy.
Community involvement has always been important for the Estate, and this continues
with the Estate running the Michael Herbert Hall in conjunction with the Town Council
of Wilton, as well as providing facilities for village halls and recreation grounds
in many other villages. Perhaps one of the most successful community projects is
the Wilton branch of Riding for the Disabled, which has a magnificent indoor riding
facility run by the local branch of this charity.
