Alan Titchmarsh, TV presenter and previously High Sheriff of the Isle of Wight, has weighed in to the debate of the future of the Ventnor Botanic Garden.
While showing clear support for the Garden, he points out that they are “valuable asset” for both Islanders and tourists. An asset that brings benefits beyond the obvious material or financial-measurably advantages – that of improving spiritual wellbeing, and both physical and mental human welfare.
His comments call for a longer-term view to be taken, one beyond the immediate financial cost as they benefit mentioned above are, “overlooked to our detriment.”
He closes by saying, “To overlook [open spaces] is not just short sighted but irresponsible.”
Alan’s comments in full …
“I regard the Ventnor Botanic Gardens as a valuable asset to the Island, not only for tourism, but also as a resource for Islanders themselves.
“It is all too easy to concentrate resources on education, health and law and order, losing sight entirely of the fact that the ability to walk in a garden plays a positive role in all three – spiritual wellbeing and fresh air, while seemingly simple commodities, have a profound effect on human welfare, both physical and mental. They are overlooked to our detriment.
“Money saved on gardens and open spaces is more often than not needed further down the line when folk suffer as a result of the absence of such facilities.
“To overlook them is not just short sighted but irresponsible.”
