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RHS comments on the Government’s response to the House of Lords Horticultural Sector Committee Report

Clare Matterson, Director General of the Royal Horticultural Society, said: “The House of Lords Horticultural Sector Committee report detailed a sector brimming with possibilities to tackle some of the world’s most pressing issues. 

“Its recommendations reflected that, despite this, environmental horticulture has been overlooked for far too long and is in need of support and funding from government to fully realise its potential to benefit people, the environment, and the economy.

“We know that gardening creates a healthier nation, promoting better physical, mental, and social health. It offers all generations a connection to nature and has the potential to boost the green economy and develop the skills for our future workforce. It can be integral in the transition to net zero as well as addressing the climate emergency and biodiversity loss.
 
“It is therefore disappointing that government have not recognised this in their response, greatly underestimating the scope and impact of the £28 billion environmental horticulture sector. We would strongly urge them to think again and work with the sector to harness the power of gardening and the energy of the country’s 28 million dedicated and passionate gardeners and millions more using green spaces.”
 
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Notes to editors

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About the RHS
Since our formation in 1804, the RHS has grown into the UK’s leading gardening charity, touching the lives of millions of people. Perhaps the secret to our longevity is that we’ve never stood still. In the last decade alone we’ve taken on the largest hands-on project the RHS has ever tackled by opening the new RHS Garden Bridgewater in Salford, Greater Manchester, and invested in the science that underpins all our work by building RHS Hilltop – The Home of Gardening Science.

We have committed to being net positive for nature and people by 2030. We are also committed to being truly inclusive and to reflect all the communities of the UK.

Across our five RHS gardens we welcome more than three million visitors each year to enjoy over 34,000 different cultivated plants. Events such as the world famous RHS Chelsea Flower Show, other national shows, our schools and community work, and partnerships such as Britain in Bloom, all spread the shared joy of gardening to wide-reaching audiences. 

Throughout it all we’ve held true to our charitable core – to encourage and improve the science, art and practice of horticulture – to share the love of gardening and the positive benefits it brings.

For more information visit www.rhs.org.uk.  

RHS Registered Charity No. 222879/SC038262
 

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The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.