rhs wisley trees
Trial Field showing the trees affected

Road widening threat to RHS Wisley trees

Plans by the highway authority to improve the M25/A3 junction in Surrey, could result in the loss of up to 500 tress at the world famous garden. Giant redwoods as well as a tree planted by the Queen for her silver jubilee are at risk.

The trial fields in the lower part of the gardens are already noisy due to the nearby A3 trunk road. If the trees are removed both noise and pollution will increase. The RHS favour the alternative option using the opposite east side of the road. Highways England said the gardens would benefit from “better, safer access”. Either approach would allow for a much needed improvement to garden access. Around 1.2 million gardening fans visit RHS Wisley each year. An £80 million update to the garden is underway this includes new visitor facilities.

Celebrity Support

Alan Titchmarsh, TV gardener and RHS ambassador, described the plan as “garden-grabbing.” He said: “We must stand together and protect our gardens.” “I’m calling on the UK’s army of 27 million gardeners to make it known that a disregard for these important trees and lack of appreciation of the national importance of this garden would not be acceptable.”

RHS Wisley trees on the BBC website

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