The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) revealed that they have suffered a crippling financial loss owing to the ongoing roadworks around its Wisley Garden headquarters in Surrey. According to reports the National Highway under construction on the A3 and M25 has led to a sharp decline in the number of visitors, with 350,000 fewer people visiting the garden, the disruptions began.
The report went further to state that the shortfall has unfortunately cost the charity £6 million while threatening their crucial community, education, and also environmental projects.
As closure resumes on the A3 this weekend January 18-19, the RHS predicts more losses which could escalate to the tune of £11 million by the time the roadworks are done in 2026. The organization is now kindly urging the Government to recognize RHS Wisley as an exceptional case and provide compensation in order to safeguard its critical initiatives.
The blow’s impact on charitable work
The unfortunate situation has financially strained RHS and has forced a delay in its significant projects, including the planting of 4,000 climate-resilient trees and the development of a new arboretum. Additionally, their strain has caused the community outreach efforts to be scaled back, scientific research funding to be slashed, and plans to train horticultural students to be reduced by 10% over the next two years.
RHS Director General Clare Matterson has emphasized the wide-reaching consequences of these losses, noting that the £6 million could have funded a number of projects, from the NHS wellbeing gardens to the horticultural apprenticeship and the PhD research addressing climatic challenges.
Alan Titchmarsh, a well-known gardening expert also voiced out his concerns, highlighting the huge value RHS brings to the communities and the environment. He urged the public to sign the RHS petition (rhs.org.uk/a3petition) demanding Government intervention to support the charity.
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Preserving a national treasure
RHS Garden Wisley which was gifted to the charity in 1903, has come to be a site of historical and horticultural importance, housing a total of over 25,000 plant species. However, due to the recent development, it is now facing an uncertain future.
Matterson described the situation as “catastrophic” and criticized the complex nature of compensation laws which serves as a hindrance for the RHS from reclaiming its losses. While not denying the benefits of the improved roads, she argued that putting better planning in place could have prevented unnecessary disruptions and cushioned the environmental impact.
“RHS Wisley stands out as a national treasure, “ Matterson said. “Its charitable work is vital and must be protected.”
Nonetheless, the RHS is hopeful that with public support and Government swift action, its losses will be mitigated hence allowing it to continue its mission of promoting sustainable gardening and addressing the global environmental challenges as a whole.