Picture: RHS Wisley

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is seeking compensation after continuous M25 roadworks have seen visitors fall by half a million.

National Highways started the long-delayed works at the A3/M25 interchange in 2022.

The RHS claims during that time they’ve dropped £6 million in revenue.

They expect that sum to hit £11 million if the works do not meet a deadline date.

The RHS is now chasing the Department of Transport for compensation.

It comes ahead of yet another closure of the interchange this weekend when the A3 will be shut in both directions at Junction 10 of the M25 until Monday.

Picture: RHS Wisley

Alan Titchmarsh, the gardener and broadcaster, has urged the public to back the RHS’s demand for compensation

He said: “These losses are catastrophic not only for the RHS, but for the whole of the UK.

“The RHS does incredible work to help people and the planet.

“It educates and supports millions of gardeners to garden more sustainably for a better future.

“Unlike others that failed before it, this Government must recognise the importance of horticulture, of gardeners and of the immense positive benefits gardens, gardening and growing plants can have on our health, the environment, wildlife and biodiversity to safeguard the future for generations to come.”

Mr Titchmarsh, the RHS vice-president, has called on “every gardener” and “everyone who loves gardening” to sign a petition launched by the charity today calling for compensation.

Research shows nearly 80 per cent of RHS members and 63 per cent of non-members who visited Wisley less frequently in the last 12 months attributed this to the M25/A3 roadworks.

Clare Matterson, RHS Director General, said:

“If there was ever a special case for compensation surely RHS Wisley stands out as a national treasure that needs to be upheld and prized and our charitable work as vital to be protected.”

Wisley was bequeathed to the RHS in 1903 and now holds one of the world’s largest plant collections, with over 25,000 different species.

Chris Welby-Everard, National Highways Regional Delivery Director, said: “We are continuing to engage with RHS Wisley on their concerns.

“This important project will reduce congestion, improve safety, and bring economic and environmental benefits to the local community.”