Alan Titchmarsh is calling for compensation due to significant losses from M25 roadworks affecting RHS Wisley in Surrey
Surrey: Alan Titchmarsh is really stepping up to highlight the issues caused by the M25 roadworks near RHS Wisley. He’s calling it “enormously damaging” and wants compensation for the losses the garden has faced.
The Royal Horticultural Society claims they’ve lost around £6 million because of these roadworks. They say visitor numbers have dropped by 350,000, and by the time the work wraps up in 2026, losses could hit £11 million.
On BBC Breakfast, Titchmarsh emphasized how important RHS Wisley is for horticulture and environmental research. He believes it’s crucial for the nation’s future, especially with climate change being such a hot topic.
He pointed out that the RHS is a charity, not just a business, and it needs support to keep its vital research going. Titchmarsh feels that the government should recognize the importance of this charity and not just push it aside for traffic management.
He also mentioned that the financial hit is catastrophic, not just for RHS Wisley but for the country as a whole. Titchmarsh stressed that horticulture plays a key role in conservation and environmental care.
Polling shows that 80% of RHS members who visited less often cited the roadworks as the reason. Chris Welby-Everard from National Highways said they’re in talks with RHS Wisley to address these concerns, highlighting the project’s benefits for safety and the local community.
