Commonwealth War Graves Commission's David Richardson on horticulture and D-Day, CIOH and Kew

David Richardson is director of horticulture at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) and leads a team of almost 850 horticulturists responsible for the maintenance and gardening of more than 2,400 sites across 50 countries.

He speaks to HortWeek about how the CWGC will be at the heart of many D-Day events in the UK and France, and is a global leader in commemoration. The

‘Lighting their Legacies’ Torch of Commemoration Roadshow is also being organised by the CWGC, culminating in the lighting of every CWGC grave in Normandy.

A trustee of Kew Gardens, and president of the Chartered Institute of Horticulture, he talks about those roles, as well as the work that’s been done to ensure the CWGC’s grave sites are in top condition for the D-Day 80 commemoration events.

He details how climate change is driving a change in long-term strategy for cemetery maintenance – such as increased use of partial rewilding, reducing irrigation, and careful selection of plants to provide beautiful places of remembrance while also being sustainable.

Richardson discusses the change of perceptions on what is considered “beautiful” being led by sustainable practices – moving away from the English garden green grass and red roses look to more natural and local decision-making.

He also outlines·the need to recruit younger people to be part of maintaining such a vital part of honouring the fallen and leading the way in sustainable remembrance for years to come.

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