Environmental Horticulture Group (EHG)

Latest findings from the EHG

The EHG recently commissioned Oxford Economics to look at the impact and importance of the environmental horticulture sector on the UK economy.  

The report revealed that the environmental horticulture sector contributed £37.6 billion to the UK economy in 2023 and supported over 718,000 jobs. 

As a nation of gardeners, the UK had a total household spend of around £13.2bn on garden goods in 2023, from plants and tools to sheds and greenhouses, which is equivalent to £1 in every £100 of household spending. Brits also spent an additional £5.8bn on the services of garden professionals and landscapers in 2023. 

Parks and gardens attracted £4.2bn in international and domestic tourist spending during the same year, supporting 117,000 jobs and attracting around £1.6bn in tax revenues. 

The report also identifies the increasing volume of academic evidence “pointing to the significant positive benefits that horticulture affords society and the natural world” across health, wellbeing and the environment.  

5 keys asks of Government 

The EHG has published a strategic plan, calling for collaboration with Government on five key areas:  

1. Kickstarting green economic growth 

Develop an industry-backed environmental horticulture strategy that enhances plant health best practices, secures innovation funding for the sector, protects green space budgets, mandates UK-grown plants for public sector projects, and promotes UK gardens as high-value national assets. 

2. Breaking down barriers to opportunity 

Recognise environmental horticulture in green jobs and skills definitions, include plant-based learning across all levels of the national curriculum, expand the National Education Nature Park programme, and improve access to environmental horticulture qualifications. 

3. Delivering sustainable and accessible green spaces 

Ensure all 1.5 million new homes feature high-quality balconies, gardens, or green spaces; integrate cultivated plants into Biodiversity Net Gain metrics; mandate high-quality tree care; fund the maintenance of new green spaces; require sustainable drainage systems to boost flood resilience; and champion the creation of public parks. 

4. Positioning environmental horticulture as key to net zero and climate resilience 

Acknowledge environmental horticulture as essential to achieving Net Zero and resilience, incentivise renewable energy adoption, include energy-intensive producers in support schemes, and facilitate the transition to peat-free growing.

5. Enhancing national wellbeing 

Embed green spaces and gardens in the delivery of 1.5 million new homes, promote gardening and nature-based therapy for mental and physical health, integrate green social prescribing into NHS pathways, advance urban greening, and include green spaces in pandemic preparedness plans. 

The EHG is made up of organisations from across the UK horticultural sector. Members include the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI), the Arboricultural Association, and other key stakeholders in environmental horticulture and landscaping.

The group’s primary objective is to highlight and enhance the economic, environmental, and social contributions of environmental horticulture. This involves commissioning research, developing action plans, and collaborating with government bodies to influence policy and drive industry growth.

The EHG addresses national challenges and opportunities within the environmental horticulture sector. Its initiatives impact urban and rural communities, promoting green spaces and sustainable practices throughout the country.

In 2015, the group published its first report, the Ornamental Horticulture Roundtable Action Plan 2015–2020, outlining 12 priority areas for government support to encourage long-term sector growth. In 2021, the group released the “Growing a Green Economy” report, projecting the industry’s potential to contribute nearly £42 billion to the UK economy and support over 760,000 jobs by 2030.

The EHG’s efforts are driven by the recognition of environmental horticulture’s significant role in the UK’s economy and society. The industry not only contributes substantially to GDP and employment but also offers environmental benefits, such as enhancing biodiversity and combating climate change, and social advantages, including improving public health and well-being.

The EHG collaborates with government agencies, industry partners, and research institutions to achieve its goals. By commissioning independent reports, developing strategic action plans, and hosting conferences, the group provides evidence-based recommendations and advocates for policies that support the growth and sustainability of the environmental horticulture sector.