RHS Director General, Sue Biggs, has welcomed a Government plan to improve the environment within a generation
The 25 year environment plan, launched at the London Wetlands Centre by Prime Minister Theresa May, sets out goals that aim to 'leave the natural environment in a better state than when we found it.'
Protecting and improving our environment
The policy, A Green Future: Our 25 Year Plan to Improve the Environment was summarised by Theresa May as a plan to protect and enhance our natural environment for the next generation. Its goals are simple; cleaner air and water, plants and animals which are thriving and a cleaner, greener country for us all.
Sue Biggs was at the launch on 10 January, 2018, and said later: "The RHS welcomes the Government’s commitment to the environment – any effort to leave the UK in a better state for future generations should be applauded and is at the heart of what we do.”
'Any effort to leave the UK in a better state should be applauded and is at the heart of what we do'
Mental health and the environment
The 25 year plan sets out the intention to tackle environmental challenges and positively acknowledges the wealth of scientific evidence linking mental health and the environment for a healthier and happier nation.
Sue Biggs welcomed this recognition, which she said lies at the heart of RHS work: “Our scientific research, alongside school and community outreach programmes, including Britain in Bloom and Greening Grey Britain, have long proved that the benefits of plants and gardening extend far beyond the environment; helping to improve health and wellbeing and fostering stronger communities.”
Connecting children to nature
The Government’s plan makes a commitment to ensure more young people learn about nature and the environment - a central part of our work with communities and schools.
"For many, particularly those living in urban areas, gardens are as much a part of the natural world as landscapes and national parks. That’s why the RHS has spent the last 10 years supporting the next generation of horticulturists by inspiring more than 34,000 schools and youth groups to get children growing through our Campaign for School Gardening. "
Sue added: “We’re delighted that the Government has announced plans to engage even more young people in the environment through the £10m commitment for Nature Friendly Schools Programme and we’re looking forward to sharing our expertise with them to develop the programme.”
You can improve your own health and wellbeing by getting involved in a community gardening group near you. Find your local community gardening groups and projects.
