Over 1,100 individuals were recognised in the King’s New Year Honours List for 2026, featuring big names from England European Championship winners to well-known media stars. 

Within the horticultural world, 12 were recognised for services across the landscaping, environmental and architectural industries. These are:

Professor Sir Simon Milne

Awarded with a Knighthood for services to botany, conservation and horticulture, professor Sir Simon Milne acts as a regius keeper and chief executive officer (CEO) at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. 

Milne has led the organisation for over 12 years, strengthening its impact and position in botany. He says the award is “deeply meaningful” as prepares for retirement. He adds:

“Leading so many talented and committed people over my career has been a huge privilege, and I thank them all for their loyalty, support, and dedication.”

Paul Finch OBE CBE

Paul Finch was recognised for his services to architecture as the founder of World Architecture Festival. Made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), Finch was already made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) back in 2002. 

Talking on the honour, Finch says “is recognition of the efforts of many organisations and people I have had the privilege of working with this century”. 

Kim Wilkie CBE 

After running his own practice for 25 years, Kim Wilkie works as a landscape architect collaborating with industry members across the world. He was given a CBE for services to landscape architecture. 

Craig Bennett OBE 

Craig Bennett, CEO of The Wildlife Trusts was named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the environment. 

“Grateful for this honour,” Bennett also thanks those who nominated him for the award. The Wildlife Trusts says the OBE is “a tribute to his role as a leader of the modern-day environmental movement”.

Advolly Xotshiwe Taylor Richmond OBE

Plant, Garden, Social Historian and Champion, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. For services to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Horticulture

Currently acting as plant, garden, social historian and champion at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Advolly Xotshiwe Taylor Richmond was given an OBE for services to equality, diversity and inclusion in horticulture. 

Richmond advocates for equal access to plant and garden history, which helps people to understand the value of historic designed landscapes, parks and many other green spaces in order to protect it for future generations. 

Dr Nelson Philip Ashmole MBE

Dr Nelson Philip Ashmole has been recognised for his services to nature since co-founding Borders Forest Trust being named a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). He comments on the award:

“I view it not as an award just for me but to represent and acknowledge the achievements of an extraordinary group of volunteers who have been working for at least three decades working to try to do what is now called rewilding.”

Liz Ballard MBE

Former Shelffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust (SRWT) chief executive was given an MBE in the latest Honours List for her services to the environment. 

Since joining SRWT in 2012, Ballard led a period of growth, innovation and partnership working. She comments on the recognition:

“I’m humbled to be awarded this Honour and would like to thank everyone who supported me throughout my career in the environment sector, especially at Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust.”

Elena Jane Goulding MBE

Singer Ellie Goulding was recognised with an MBE for services to biodiversity and the climate. A global environmental ambassador for the United Nations, she is also an ambassador for the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). 

Goulding was originally appointed a global goodwill ambassador for the UN Environment Programme in 2017.

Professor Desmond Bruin Angus Thompson FRSE MBE

Working as a principal adviser on biodiversity and science for NatureScot and scientific advisor committee member for Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, Professor Desmond Bruin Angus Thompson was given an MBE for services to nature conservation. 

Jonathan Wheatley MBE 

The award-winning horticulturalist with over 40 years of experience, Jonathan Wheatley was awarded with an MBE for services to horticulture and to charity. 

Managing director of Stonebarn Landscapes Ltd, Wheatley runs the company with a strong focus on quality, plantsmanship and professionalism. 

Thomas Blatcher Bindoff BEM

Thomas Blatcher Bindoff was awarded within the King’s Honours List with a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to outdoor accessibility to nature. 

Philip James Edwards BEM 

Chairman of Country Park Supporters Group, Philip James Edwards was also given a BEM, but for services to public spaces in Hereford.

Edwards also worked for 27 years as a local councillor campaigning for everyone’s rights to access public open spaces for their health, wellbeing and community.