2018's heatwave, combined with the absence of rain, has left us with barren gardens and a summer set to be one of the driest on record
With drought sweeping across the country we're uniting with Cranfield University, Bedfordshire to recruit and train the UK’s first garden water scientist. This pioneering new role will explore ways to improve water provision in gardens by adopting new technologies, developing management strategies and encouraging gardeners to adopt mindful gardening practices.
The new role will support our ongoing efforts to be leaders in assessing the impact and advancement of climate change and their work will enable us to ensure we're always providing the best and most up-to-date advice on protecting your garden from the changing climate.
Preparing for the future
It’s important we look at how we can maintain our gardens, and the wildlife they support, for the future. The changing climate is already resulting in more extreme weather events and the RHS aims to better prepare the country’s 27million gardeners for periods of drought and flood which put pressure on plants, people and wildlife.
Commenting on the partnership and new role Head of Cranfield Water Science Institute, Prof. Paul Jeffrey said: 'Cranfield is working with the RHS to generate new insights into water efficient practices. As water resources come under additional strain both farmers and gardeners will need to change their behaviours and make better use of new scientific understandings and innovations'.
The water scientist will be based at RHS Garden Wisley where a new National Centre for Horticultural Science and Learning will open in 2020.
Apply online now, applications are open until midnight on 31 July 2018.
