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Andrew conducts research and provides advice on the variety of insects and other animal life that gardens support. He became a Principal Scientist in 2014
No two days are the same. One day I can be out in the field collecting data for experiments or working in the lab identifying garden invertebrates. The next day, I may be providing personal advice to individual gardeners, or commenting on government strategies on plant health or pollinators. From time-to-time I am asked to appear on the radio and TV, to talk about RHS research findings or comment on the latest news. For the past few years I have led and collaborated on research focusing on the importance of garden plants for invertebrates, including pollinators, the distribution of non-native insects and investigating whether the geographical origin of garden plants affects the abundance and diversity of invertebrates they support.
“I became hooked on insects at primary school when I collected caterpillars from the school's boundary hedge and reared them through to adults. Our class pets included locusts, stick insects and Madagascan hissing cockroaches – in the school holidays I was the one to look after them at home.”
The entomology team’s work produces practical, no-nonsense advice for gardeners. Whether investigating the best plants for supporting pollinators, or researching the most appropriate methods of mitigating damage caused by some invertebrates, gardeners will be able to apply the findings of the team’s research to their own gardening.
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.
