RHS State of Gardening
The RHS State of Gardening Report 2025 is the first in-depth look at gardening’s impact on UK health, communities, the economy and the environment, with insights, data and trends, written by some of the UK’s leading garden scientists and horticulturists
A national passion with untapped potential
Gardening is one of the most widespread and meaningful ways people connect with nature. It touches the lives of over 41 million people, yet until now its full social, economic and ecological value has been under-recognised. Drawing on new RHS-commissioned research and a wealth of existing data, the RHS State of Gardening Report 2025 (7.4MB pdf) reveals the extraordinary scale, diversity and impact of gardening, and the vital role it plays in shaping a greener, healthier and more resilient future.
The RHS State of Gardening Report reveals the extraordinary scale, diversity and impact of gardening.
From biodiversity to climate resilience, horticulture keeps our world thriving
Inside the RHS State of Gardening Report
Analysts, researchers, horticultural experts and collaborators have reviewed and scrutinised evidence and data to create a comprehensive RHS State of Gardening Report for 2025. Precise insights have been gathered by AI, machine learning and ultra high resolution satellite imagery with Gentian Ltd.
The report is the definitive source of insight, statistics and stories about gardening, gardeners and gardens. It presents robust data alongside compelling narratives to map the evolving landscape of gardening in Great Britain and the wider UK. As the first report of its kind, it establishes a national baseline and marks the start of a long-term commitment to tracking change, with updates planned every three years.
It aims to provide a clear overview of the scale, diversity and significance of gardening. By capturing long-term trends and benchmarking data, we explore the natural, social and economic value of gardens, along with the health and wellbeing benefits they bring to individuals and communities.
Why gardening matters more than ever
Covering 4.6% of UK land mass, gardens are a massive but overlooked ecological asset, that buffers the effects of climate change and brings joy to millions. We must act by embedding gardening into national health, education, housing and climate policy. We must invest in research, infrastructure and equitable access. And we must recognise gardens as critical national assets – ecologically, socially and economically. The RHS is committed to leading this change. Our vision is a world where gardening is embraced as a way of life – a source of joy and fulfilment, building healthier lives, stronger communities and thriving environments.
Why gardening is so important:
Good for the economy
- £38 billion contributed to UK GDP
- Supports 722,000 jobs
- Generates £6.6 billion in tourism-related GVA
Good for health and wellbeing
- Helps tackle the £65 billion annual cost of obesity
- Tackles the £117.9 billion cost of mental health
- Linked to lower death rates from heart and respiratory disease
Good for nature and climate
- 50 million trees in gardens
- 158 million estimated tonnes of carbon stored
- Home to over half of nation’s butterflies and 40% of birds and mammals
Good for community cohesion
- 85% of community gardeners say gardens bring people together
- 8.5 milllion people have never gardened due to lack of access
- 74% of children surveyed said gardening made them happy
Everyone should have a space to grow
This report has mapped 25.8 million gardens across Great Britain’s garden space, hosting 50.5 million trees. Gardens are not just private spaces, but shared national assets that nurture biodiversity, strengthen climate resilience and support health, wellbeing and the economy. At a time of environmental and social pressures, gardening offers one of the most widespread and meaningful ways that people connect with nature – a lifelong relationship that can start in childhood and continue through every stage of life.
Gardening offers one of the most widespread and meaningful ways that people connect with nature.
The evidence is clear: gardens boost our health, lift our mood, and help us stay resilient
Yet challenges remain. Biodiversity is under pressure, biosecurity awareness is low, and horticultural skills are in decline. Millions of households lack access to a garden of their own, and opportunities are unevenly distributed, with children from lower-income households disproportionally excluded. Without action, these gaps risk holding back the full contribution gardens could make to a greener, healthier and more inclusive society.
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What comes next – and how you can help
Gardens are a national asset, but for too long they have been overlooked by politicians and policymakers because their many benefits do not sit neatly within the remit of any one government department. With the right leadership and investment, the nation’s gardens – both public and private – can play a vital role in driving economic growth, improving public health and tackling climate change.
Gardens are a national asset, but for too long they have been overlooked by politicians and policymakers.
Gardens can help shape a greener, healthier and more connected Britain for generations
This first RHS State of Gardening Report 2025 has set a baseline but also highlighted gaps. Further research, better data and ongoing monitoring are essential, alongside actions for the RHS, gardeners and environmental horticulture sector to embed gardens and gardening more firmly in policy and practice.
Six key areas for action and research:
Access the report and research behind it
Discover the data, stories and evidence shaping the future of gardening.
