This year marks an incredible milestone for our Operations Director, Stuart Priest, who is celebrating 40 years at Batsford.

Having joined in 1986, Stuart has played a pivotal role in shaping Batsford into the thriving arboretum, garden centre and visitor attraction that so many people know and love today. Over four decades, he has witnessed remarkable change, overseen significant developments and helped safeguard one of the country’s most important tree collections for future generations. The arboretum is home to over 2,850 labelled specimens, including many rare and endangered species from around the world.

When Stuart first arrived at Batsford, he was tasked with establishing a nursery on the site. From those early beginnings, he went on to help develop the garden centre, visitor facilities and café while remaining deeply committed to the care and conservation of the arboretum itself.

Throughout his career, Stuart has combined a passion for horticulture with a forward-thinking approach to environmental stewardship. His work has helped Batsford adapt to changing conditions, from introducing sustainable initiatives and water management projects to expanding the collection with species better suited to a changing climate.

One of the aspects of Batsford that continues to inspire Stuart is its role as a living collection. The arboretum’s rich history stretches back to the late nineteenth century, with many of today’s mature trees forming part of a legacy established by Lord Redesdale and later expanded by Lord Dulverton.

As Operations Director, Stuart remains passionate about ensuring that Batsford continues to evolve while staying true to its charitable mission of conservation, education and horticultural excellence. Under his guidance, the arboretum has continued to grow as both a visitor destination and an important centre for botanical conservation.

Reflecting on 40 years at Batsford, Stuart says that one of the greatest rewards has been seeing the landscape mature and knowing that many of the trees planted today will be enjoyed by generations yet to come.

 

Everyone at Batsford would like to thank Stuart for his dedication, knowledge and leadership over the past four decades. His passion for plants, trees and people has left a lasting mark on the arboretum, and we look forward to seeing what the future holds.