Scientific research centre under way at Wisley
11 October 2011
The RHS is building the John MacLeod field research facility at its garden in Wisley, Surrey. The building, due to be completed by spring 2012, will provide the RHS with a state-of-the-art facility in which to carry out plant disease and pest focused scientific investigations.
The new centre will help the RHS to study these pests and diseases and develop advice on control measures. It aims to increase awareness and understanding of the importance of science to gardening.
The centre, in partnership with sector leader Unigro, will be equipped with innovative heat exchange technology, including a swimming pool-sized tank underneath the building which enables waste heat, built up during the day, to be recycled for warming at night. Combined with solar panels to generate electricity, the building will be highly energy efficient.
Roger Williams, RHS Head of Science says; 'This will be the first facility of its kind dedicated to advancing the science of gardening.'
The new centre will also help the RHS to attract students and scientists from around the world to share information and best practice through undertaking research of mutual interest.