Tim Upson is to step down as Director of Gardens and Horticulture at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), ending a 12-year tenure as the charity’s longest-serving Director of Horticulture.
Why This Matters As climate change, water scarcity, flooding, overheating and biodiversity loss reshape the way places are designed, landscape has become critical infrastructure. Gardens, green spaces, streetscapes, green corridors and country parks are no longer simply amenities. They help manage water, support biodiversity, improve health and wellbeing, create opportunities for play and strengthen community identity. At the same time, homebuyers increasingly value access to nature, attractive green spaces, wildlife, shade and outdoor living. The Climate Resilient Communities Standard™ is being developed to help developers, planners and communities better understand, measure and demonstrate the value of high-quality gardens, landscapes and green infrastructure within new housing developments.
Sarah Eberle FLI FSGLD and Dr Juliet Sargeant FLI FSGLD both appointed Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to horticulture.
