Alan Titchmarsh highlights the impact of roadworks on RHS Garden Wisley, urging support for compensation.
Surrey: RHS Garden Wisley is facing tough times. Roadworks on the M25 and A3 have hit visitor numbers hard. They’ve lost around 350,000 visitors, which means a whopping £6 million in losses so far.
The RHS is asking the government for help. They need compensation to keep important projects going. These projects focus on science, community, and education. With more roadworks planned, losses could reach £11 million by 2026.
Because of these financial struggles, the RHS is putting some projects on hold. They’re delaying new arboretums and cutting back on planting 4,000 trees. This is all part of their climate resilience efforts for the future.
They’re also reducing funding for scientific research. This research aims to tackle big environmental issues in the UK. Plus, they’re looking at training fewer horticulturists over the next two years.
Many members have noticed the drop in visitors. Nearly 80% of those who visited less often said it was due to the roadworks. Even 63% of non-visiting members pointed to the same reason.
Alan Titchmarsh, the well-known gardening presenter, is backing the RHS. He’s urging everyone who loves gardening to sign their petition. They want the government to recognize the unique situation of RHS Wisley and provide compensation.
He mentioned that the £6 million loss could have funded many projects. This includes NHS wellbeing gardens and apprenticeships for budding horticulturists. It’s a big deal for the RHS and the UK as a whole.
Alan stressed the importance of gardening for health and the environment. He believes the government must understand how vital gardens are for future generations.
RHS Garden Wisley has a rich history. Established in 1903, it boasts one of the largest plant collections in the world. Normally, it attracts over a million visitors each year.
Clare Matterson, the RHS Director General, expressed concerns about compensation laws. She believes RHS Wisley deserves special recognition as a national treasure.
While the new road is a positive change, it still has flaws. The RHS feels that better solutions could have been found to avoid increased car miles.
The upcoming A3 closure will start overnight on January 17 and last until January 20. National Highways is in talks with RHS Wisley about their concerns.
