The charity raises income from visitor admission charges and the repair and maintenance of the fabric and contents of the buildings at Wilton are funded from the annual surplus.
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, residential and commercial properties still form the traditional core of Estate businesses, recent years have seen the establishment of various tourist related retail operations, Salisbury Racecourse and South Wilts Golf Course.
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 the charity.
