Rothamsted Research is one of the oldest agricultural research institutions in the world, founded in 1843 by Sir John Bennet Lawes on his family estate in Harpenden. His partnership with the chemist Sir Joseph Henry Gilbert lasted 57 years and laid the foundations of modern agricultural science.
World-famous experiments
Rothamsted’s long-term field experiments are still running today. The Broadbalk experiment has grown winter wheat continuously since 1843, and the Park Grass experiment, started in 1856, is described as the oldest ecological experiment in the world. The statistician Ronald Fisher joined Rothamsted in 1919 and developed much of modern experimental design while working with its data.
Visiting: the Rothamsted walking trail
Rothamsted is a working research site, so general public access is limited, but a public walking trail lets you explore its history. The route is about 4.8 km (3 miles) and takes one to two hours, starting from the public car park by the restaurant at Rothamsted Research.
Its 11 stops include Rothamsted Manor, the Park Grass and Broadbalk experiments, the Insect Survey, Rothamsted Park and the graves of Lawes and Gilbert. Paths are mostly surfaced or gravel but can be muddy after rain, and alternative routes avoid the kissing gates for wheelchairs and buggies. Download the trail guide from Rothamsted Enterprises.
