The Friends are a group of people who share a special interest in the Garden and Arboretum and who wish to help them develop further a centre of education and research and as a place of relaxation and enjoyment.

The Friends have an active programme of special events. In addition, they benefit from the resources that the Garden has to offer such as the library, annual seed list, coffee mornings and a Newsletter.

They support the Garden in many ways including helping to raise money for special projects at the garden.

Patron: HRH The Prince of Wales

President: Lord Patten of Barnes

Vice Presidents: Lawrence Banks, Robin Herbert, Sir Simon Hornby, Valerie Lapthorne, Sir Ghilean Prance, Sir Crispin Tickell, The President of Magdalen College, The Dean of Christ Church.

Directors and Trustees: Richard Mayou (Chairman), Jennie Turner (Secretary), Martin Lamaison (Treasurer), Mary Isaac, Sarah Taylor.

Council: Maura Allen, Jane Annett, Marie Jane Barnett, Crystal Dobson, Jeanne Gurr, Sue Haynes, David Newburn, Sally Oriss and Walter Sawyer.