‘People complain about anything popular’: the RHS boss taking on traffic jams and Chelsea critics
Summary
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) received £2.3 million from the government after roadworks near its major garden in Wisley caused three years of traffic problems, reducing visits by 350,000 and costing the charity an estimated £13 million. RHS plans to expand community gardening and bring gardens into NHS hospitals to improve health and wellbeing.Key Facts
- The government paid £2.3 million compensation to the RHS for disruption caused by road upgrades on the A3 and M25.
- RHS’s garden in Wisley saw visits fall by around 350,000 over three years due to traffic jams caused by roadworks.
- The RHS estimates it lost about £13 million because of the drop in visitors during this period.
- Gardener and TV presenter Alan Titchmarsh led a campaign to get the compensation.
- The RHS runs the Chelsea Flower Show, which remains highly popular and a major fundraiser despite recent criticism.
- RHS director Clare Matterson promotes community gardening to reclaim unused land and improve local wellbeing.
- RHS wants to create hospital gardens to help patients, families, and staff by offering peaceful outdoor spaces.
- 2.5 million people already garden in communities, but 13 million would like to, with land access being a major challenge.
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