RHS Faces 'Wokery' Backlash Amid Financial Woes

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has reported a substantial net loss of £8.1m for the year ending January 2025, doubling its deficit from the prior year. This financial downturn has drawn criticism from some quarters, who point to the RHS's embrace of environmental policies and what they describe as "wokery" as contributing factors. These critics suggest that a mandated transition to peat-free compost, implemented this January, has created additional costs and alienated traditional nurseries.

One prominent critic, award-winning exhibitor Tim Penrose, claims he was banned from this year's Chelsea Flower Show for failing to attend anti-peat seminars. Penrose, who protested in a Superman suit, stated he received a lifetime ban for his dissent. He believes many others share his concerns but fear exclusion. The RHS, meanwhile, has stated that its most recent financial accounts are healthier, with a 7% income growth and a £4.8m cash profit in the last financial year, despite investing £83m in charitable work.