Keith Weed sets out his mission statement – including sustainability
Increasing focus on sustainability and helping to mitigate climate change are the key pledges of the new RHS president, Keith Weed. Former chief marketing and communications officer at Unilever, Keith, wants new and experienced gardeners to help the gardening revolution grow and make our environment more sustainable, too.
He led Unilever’s groundbreaking sustainability programme, including the creation of the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan, before retiring in May 2019.The
RHS president is a lifelong gardener
Keith has a lifelong love for gardening. He grew vegetables as a young boy and is an enthusiastic hands-on gardener today. He is an RHS member and Fellow.
Keith said: “The UK has led the world over many centuries in innovating and creating amazing gardens. Now it is our time to lead again in the role of gardeners as the guardians of gardens and environmental and social sustainability.
“It is an honour to become the president of the RHS. This charity has never done so much to keep the nation gardening for our health and well-being and for the health of the planet.
‘Newer, younger audiences’ We have been reaching newer, younger audiences. We must do all we can to feed, engage and support this new passion.
“I look forward to furthering the great work Sue Biggs and her RHS team have already been doing, including the Greening Great Britain Campaign. In addition to beautiful gardens, I am particularly interested in the role of science and flora biodiversity.
RHS president: ‘Biodiversity crisis’
“We are burning nature’s library. Now is the time to act and address the biodiversity crisis. Once a plant is gone, it is gone forever. Another important priority for both the RHS and the wider horticultural world is to help increase diversity in the horticulture industry and in this charity; on our boards, in our teams, in our gardens, at our shows and across our work.
“This will continue to be a collective and collaborative approach. We need to work with people from all backgrounds, all ethnicities, all ages, and the wider horticulture industry to shape the future of the RHS.”
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