James Wong Named RHS Ambassador

TV presenter, ethnobotanist and best-selling author James Wong is to become an RHS Ambassador. As part of his new role James will have a special focus on championing horticultural science and will work alongside other RHS Ambassadors and the horticultural industry to raise the profile of careers in horticulture.

To launch his role James will ‘take over' the RHS twitter feed (https://twitter.com/The_RHS) on 21 March 2014, during National Science Week. He will celebrate why horticultural science is amazing to the RHS' 54,000 followers and answer their questions.

James, who is a regular on the BBC rural affairs series Countryfile, and has presented an award winning BBC series of programmes called ‘Grow Your Own Drugs' that introduced a fresh modern take on the preparation of a broad range of plant-based remedies, has a life- long passion for botany that he is keen to share.

As an RHS Ambassador James will be work across the entire horticultural sector and with RHS scientists to inspire future generations to get excited about scientific discoveries, be it learning how gardeners can support pollinators through understanding which beneficial plants to grow, or appreciating the fundamental role plants play in keeping us and our planet alive.

James' appointment comes after the charity announced in November that Alan Titchmarsh was to be of its first Founder RHS Ambassador. RHS Ambassadors are exceptional and influential individuals who have the desire to promote horticulture and help the charity make a difference to people's lives, secure the future of horticulture and help safeguard the planet.

Speaking about his appointment James says: "I'm incredibly proud to be asked to do such important work, not just for the RHS, but for all of UK horticulture.

"I know from my own experience of teaching young people ethnobotany there is a real appetite out there for horticulture, but there are still many people of all ages who don't fully appreciate the importance and relevance of horticultural science to their lives. Through this role I hope to play a part in changing that."

RHS Head of Science Dr Alistair Griffiths says: "We are delighted that James has agreed to work alongside us to promote horticultural science and help to inspire a new generation of botanists and horticultural scientists.

"Botany and horticultural science provides us with knowledge that benefits people throughout the world and contributes in many ways to the sustainability and cultural heritage of our planet. It also helps us pollinate our trees, manage pests, improve human, animal and plant health, facilitate trade, respond to climate change, conserve our environment, and much more.

"We're really proud of the scientific work we do at the RHS. No other charity invests as much of its resource into the scientific study of gardening, garden plants and horticulture. Having James on-board, with his botanical knowledge and infectious enthusiasm, means we are in a great position to amaze and inspire others about how beneficial and satisfying a career in botany and horticulture can be."