Mini plaque marks major step forward for Forty Hall Farm developments
The building, now named the Marchioness of Salisbury Classroom, was formally opened by the College's Patron, Lady Salisbury, during a visit from trustees of the Grange Farm Centre Trust on 16 September 2026.
The project has been made possible through the support of the Grange Farm Centre Trust and the Cecil Gascoyne Trust, helping to create an improved teaching and workshop facility that will support the growing number of students studying environmental and conservation subjects at Forty Hall Farm.
Capel Manor College and the Grange Farm Centre Trust share a commitment to providing opportunities for people to connect with nature, learn outdoors and access environmental education. This partnership will continue to benefit learners, visitors and local communities across London and Essex.
The Trust has also recently provided significant funding towards a new outdoor environmental learning and visitor experience area at Forty Hall Farm. Scheduled for completion by July 2027, the project will create exciting opportunities for children, families and community groups to learn about farming, conservation and the natural environment.
The opening ceremony included an unexpected moment when it emerged that the commemorative plaque intended for the classroom had been produced at just 9cm by 9cm rather than the planned 90cm by 90cm. Despite the mix-up, Lady Salisbury welcomed the smaller plaque, commenting that the focus should remain on the students, schools and community groups who will benefit from using the new 30-seat classroom.
