Power To The Gardening People

The threat to Wisley has made national news. Naomi Slade urges that we not only fight to halt this plan, but battle for our local street scene as well

- Naomi Slade

IF you are a keen gardener, you will not have been able to miss the shock news that the Royal Horticultural Society’s flagship garden at Wisley is under threat from plans to widen the A3 as part of the M25 Junction 10 improvements.

The Highways Agency is proposing to seize 10,000 square metres of the Grade II* listed garden, which will mean the felling of 500 interesting and historic trees. Some are rare or threatened; and some have modern significance, like the one plated by The Queen, to mark her Silver Jubilee. These woods shelter the garden, providing a visual backdrop and sound insulation, and making it a peaceful and enjoyable space. They also negate the pollution from the nearby roads to the tune of 19,000 cars per year.

RHS Ambassador Alan Titchmarsh says:

“This potential garden grabbing plan would be another unacceptable example of this government’s poor perception of horticulture and lack of appreciation of the vital role that plants play for the environment, for the nation’s health and well-being and for the UK economy.