Dr John B Land (CR 1973-98), who taught Biology at Marlborough College for twenty-five years, died peacefully at home in February 2026.

Born in Shipley, Yorkshire, John developed a lifelong love of the natural world through family walks and time spent outdoors, interests that shaped both his career and his character. He studied Agricultural Science at the University of Nottingham followed by a PhD in Plant Biochemistry, he then took a postdoctoral research post at the Botany School in Oxford where he met his future wife, Caroline. He later completed a PGCE at Canterbury before joining Marlborough College in 1973.

John inspired generations of pupils with his enthusiasm for biology and the countryside. He was not a teacher who confined learning strictly to the syllabus always looking to broaden pupils’ horizons in the biological world. This led to him overseeing beehives, plant propagation, stick insects and incubating eggs in the labs as well as leading field trips where he shared his outstanding knowledge and enthusiasm of nature.

Beyond the classroom he was master in charge of external exams for many years during which they became increasingly complex and demanding. He was a house tutor at Cotton and Summerfield and also ran Wednesday afternoon activities including maintaining the Preshute Churchyard and coppicing in a nearby wood. 

John maintained his academic interests, co-authoring Foodchains to Biotechnology with his brother, Roger, this was considered forward-thinking for its time. He also collaborated on a number of educational and scientific publications including being awarded a Royal Society grant to study mayflies in the River Kennet with his colleague Malcolm Hardstaff.

Described as a “serious man with a warm heart” in a recent Marlburian article, those who knew him will remember a man of integrity, humility and quiet good humour, always generous with his time and knowledge.

Following retirement, John devoted himself to gardening, beekeeping and the restoration of old houses.  

John is survived by Caroline, his wife of more than fifty years, his children Rachel and Richard, and his grandchildren. He leaves behind generations of Marlburians whose appreciation of the natural world was enriched by his teaching, enthusiasm and example.