Two landmark reports released today by the Environmental Horticulture Group (EHG) and Oxford Economics (OE) reveal that the environmental horticulture sector could see a potential growth opportunity of 45%, if adequately supported by the government.

The EHG and OE reports found there to be a potential 45% growth opportunity by 2030, reliant on government support. It would see the sector’s worth increase to £51.2 billion, while supporting 763,000 jobs.

Through nature-based solutions, environmental horticulture is essential in tackling the climate crisis, with the UK’s gardens and green spaces working to mitigate climate impacts, ease extreme weather effects, and enhance biodiversity.

The cooling and pollution-reducing effects of urban green spaces were valued at £27.4bn in 2021 alone, while urban vegetation helped the UK avoid £800.5 million in health-related costs.

While in 2023, public parks, gardens, and green spaces attracted £4.2bn in tourism. It was also found to be invaluable for public health as studies found that access to green spaces and gardening proved beneficial to wellbeing.

Alongside the economics report, the EHG has also published ‘Mission Green Growth’, a strategy that underscores the sector’s importance and calls for collaboration between government, industry, and communities to unlock its over £50bn potential.

The strategy pivots on several key goals from upskilling the green workforce and securing seasonal worker programs, to fostering policies that drive competitiveness and innovation.

Central to the EHG’s vision is sustainable urban planning that incorporates high-quality green spaces alongside campaigns on critical issues like cross-border trade, reliable seasonal worker schemes, and improved environmental sustainability.

Boyd Douglas-Davies, chair of the EHG, says: “As this new report shows, our sector is already a hugely positive economic and environmental contributor to the UK, but it could be worth so much more if we have greater government support.

“The time is now if we are to make the most of the next decade of growth opportunities and work with the government to create a greener, happier, more environmentally sustainable society and economy.”

Both reports can be downloaded at hta.org.uk/ehg-documentation