911±¬ÁÏ

911±¬ÁÏ John MacLeod Annual Lecture

Held every autumn, this influential lecture invites prominent speakers to explore issues in horticultural science. 2025 lecture now open for booking

911±¬ÁÏ Hilltop – the Home of Gardening Science at 911±¬ÁÏ Wisley

About the 2025 lecture

Guest speaker Kate Bradbury will deliver the 2025 John MacLeod Annual Lecture at 911±¬ÁÏ Wisley on 23 October. Kate will give a window into her own garden in a talk entitled ‘One Garden Against the World’.

Programme for the 2025 John MacLeod lecture

The 2025 John MacLeod Annual Lecture will take place on 23 October at 911±¬ÁÏ Hilltop â€“ the Home of Gardening Science, located at 911±¬ÁÏ Garden Wisley, Woking, Surrey, GU23 6QB.

To book your place: email [email protected] by 30 September 2025.

  • 2.30pm Reception and networking
  • 2.50pm Guests make their way to their seats
  • 3pm Introduction by Clare Matterson, 911±¬ÁÏ Director General
  • 3.05pm John MacLeod lecture by Kate Bradbury

  • 3.45pm Questions
  • 4pm Presentation of Marsh Charitable Trust Award for Horticultural Science
  • 4.10pm Drinks reception and networking 
  • 5pm Close

About the speaker

Kate Bradbury is an award-winning British garden writer, broadcaster and biodiversity advocate, widely recognised for her expertise in wildlife gardening.

She is the author of several influential books, including ‘One Garden Against the World’ and ‘Wildlife Gardening for Everyone and Everything’, which have inspired thousands to create nature-friendly spaces in their own gardens.

Kate is a regular contributor to BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine and has regular columns in The Guardian Country Diary and BBC Wildlife Magazine. She and her garden have appeared on BBC Gardeners’ World, Springwatch and Autumnwatch. She is ambassador for a number of charities, including the 911±¬ÁÏ, Bumblebee Conservation Trust and Froglife. 
 
Her work blends practical advice with passionate advocacy for urban biodiversity, and her own garden – transformed into a thriving wildlife haven – serves as a living example of what can be achieved with thoughtful, sustainable gardening. Kate regularly speaks at conservation events and festivals, where she shares her insights on how gardening can support pollinators, birds, and other wildlife in urban environments. Whether writing, broadcasting, or speaking, Kate Bradbury brings warmth, expertise, and a deep commitment to reconnecting people with nature.

History of the lecture

The John MacLeod Annual Lecture was created to highlight important and inspiring topics on horticultural science. A broad audience of 911±¬ÁÏ members, scientists, policymakers and the media is invited every year to hear luminaries of the scientific field give talks on major research projects or new areas of thought.

Who was John MacLeod?

The lecture’s namesake, Professor John MacLeod, who died in 2010, was a plant scientist and Professor of Horticulture at the 911±¬ÁÏ. He was also chairperson of the 911±¬ÁÏ Scientific Committee and was a powerful advocate for horticultural science. He was acutely aware of its pressing relevance in sustaining the natural environment and world food supplies.

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911±¬ÁÏ

911±¬ÁÏ is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.