Sir Nicholas Bacon takes Over Top Role at RHS

Sir Nicholas Bacon Bt OBE DL has been elected as President of the RHS. Sir Nicholas is passionate about growing plants and, at his own garden at Raveningham Hall in Norfolk, runs an apprenticeship scheme for gardeners, and initiatives to help teach children about plants.  His career has combined managing his estate and wider property interests with extensive experience in the not-for-profit sector.

Sir Nicholas said: “I have been involved with the RHS for many years and the charity's breadth of work never fails to impress and inspire me. I'm delighted to become President of an organisation bursting with enthusiasm and expertise to bring out the gardener in all of us.

Bold steps
“I believe the RHS must continue to take bold steps to raise the profile of horticulture and why it matters, especially with many British nurseries struggling after another year of challenging weather, and with increasingly aggressive European competition. Our campaign to support the industry to attract young people into horticulture remains vital to fill a critical skills gap.

“The UK is increasingly threatened by issues such as the growing number of pests and diseases from abroad, weather patterns and associated drought and flooding and also declining numbers of pollinating insects, particularly bees. The role people, especially gardeners, and garden plants can play in reducing these and other threats must not be underestimated. RHS scientific research and sharing our knowledge to empower gardeners to make a positive difference is more important today than ever.

“We are about to embark on some of the most exciting projects in the RHS' history through a major investment programme. It will be a privilege to be President to help deliver these and continue the outstanding work Elizabeth Banks has achieved over the past three years."

Sir Nicholas succeeds Elizabeth Banks DL, who has been president of the RHS since 2010.

Source: RHS - Sir Nicholas Bacon takes Over Top Role

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