Horticulture contributes £38 billion to UK economy and climate resilience

Two landmark reports released by the Environmental Horticulture Group (EHG) and Oxford Economics show the environmental horticulture sector contributed £38 billion to the UK economy and supported over 722,000 jobs in 2023. By 2030, it could be worth £51.2 billion, supporting 763,000 jobs. 

Environmental horticulture is essential to nature-based climate solutions, with the UK’s gardens and green spaces mitigating climate impacts, easing extreme weather effects, and enhancing biodiversity. The cooling and pollution-reducing effects of urban green spaces were valued at £27.4 billion in 2021 alone, while urban vegetation helped the UK avoid £800.5 million in health-related costs. These contributions to biodiversity, air quality, and urban resilience highlight the sector’s role in advancing the UK’s net zero goals.   

In addition, in 2023, public parks, gardens, and green spaces attracted £4.2 billion in tourism spending while also proving essential for public health. Studies show that access to green spaces and gardening can alleviate symptoms of chronic conditions, improve mental and physical wellbeing, and strengthen communities by fostering social inclusion. This aligns with the Environmental Horticulture Group’s vision for a ‘Neighbourhood Health Service,’ integrating horticulture into healthcare strategies to promote holistic health benefits. 

In 2023, UK households spent around £13.2 billion on garden goods and £5.8 billion on professional gardening and landscaping services.

The time is now if we are to make the most of the next decade of growth opportunities and work with government to create a greener, happier, more environmentally sustainable society and economy.

Green collaboration strategy

The EHG works closely with the government to secure greater support for the sector, including garden centres and their supply chains, public and private gardens, commercial growers and nurseries, arboriculture, and domestic and commercial landscaping. Its core members include the Arboriculture Association (AA), the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI), the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), and the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).

The EHG has called for the UK government to adopt a collaborative strategy supporting green economic growth, workforce development, sustainable urban spaces, climate resilience, and healthcare integration, positioning horticulture as essential for a sustainable, healthy, and resilient future.