RHS Demands Compensation for £6M Losses from M25/A3 Roadworks

The Royal Horticultural Society claims major roadworks near Wisley Gardens have caused significant financial losses, impacting environmental research and community initiatives.

• The RHS reports a £6 million loss since September 2022 due to visitor declines caused by M25/A3 roadworks near its flagship Wisley Gardens in Surrey.
• Visitor numbers have dropped by 350,000 annually, with 80% of surveyed members citing the roadworks as the primary reason for reduced visits.
• Financial losses have forced the RHS to delay arboretum developments, cut research funding for climate resilience, and scale back community outreach and student training programs.
• TV gardener Alan Titchmarsh and RHS leadership are advocating for government compensation, emphasizing Wisley's national significance and the charity's environmental contributions.
• National Highways asserts the project will ultimately reduce congestion and improve safety, but the RHS argues the disruption has already caused “catastrophic” harm to its operations.

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