Andrew leads the RHS Plant Health team, consisting of specialist experts in biosecurity, ecology, entomology, nematology, plant pathology and wildlife
I work with the Plant Health team, across the organisation and with external stakeholders, to promote and facilitate the advisory, research and biosecurity work of the RHS. It means going to a lot of meetings, but this is anything but dull. From discussing how to progress research into garden problems, such as black spot on roses or the natural enemies of box tree moth, to research on the wildlife gardens support or the latest news and advice on improving the biosecurity in RHS Gardens and Shows. As an entomologist at heart, I do still occasionally get into the field to record insects, too.
“The RHS is an incredible place to work and it is a joy to lead the passionate and expert Plant Health team, who love to share their knowledge with gardeners”
With climate change and biodiversity emergencies, gardens are starting to be recognised as the important habitats they are – supporting wildlife and helping to mitigate the effects of climate change, as well as being spaces for us to enjoy. The changing conditions also pose threats, so biosecurity is ever-important. The Plant Health team provides advice and research in all of these areas, helping to safeguard and improve our gardens for the future.
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.
