Royal Horticultural Society Masterplans

In September 2007, we were commissioned by the Royal Horticultural Society to develop strategic masterplans for their four major gardens - Wisley in Surrey, Harlow Carr in North Yorkshire, Rosemoor in Devon, and Hyde Hall in Essex.

Totalling approximately 700 acres, the four gardens collectively form a vital horticultural, silvicultural and
historic asset, each exerting a positive economic impact
on its region.

The brief was multi-layered, with emphases on the creation of a framework for the sensitive phased development of the gardens over the coming twenty years, from the organisation of the visitor arrival experience, to the creation of new gardens, and the planning of new curatorial facilities for staff.

While each masterplan was developed as a direct response to the intrinsic character of each site and its wider setting, they also had an important collective role, drawing up for the Society a number of strategies and priorities - across retail, catering, car-parking provision, children's play, education, science and learning - which serve to make manifest and reinforce the Society's philosophies and driving goals.

The masterplans have provided a forum for dialogue within the Society, as well as with a range of stakeholders at each garden, with elements of each masterplan now being implemented. Rosemoor is receiving an innovative new Education Centre, the new Learning Centre at Harlow Carr is to be completed in 2010, Hyde Hall now enjoys a completely new visitor arrival experience, and a number of projects are in various stages at Wisley, including a new Rose Garden.