Sheila Das, who took on the role of head of gardens and parks at the National Trust in January 2023, is overseeing a portfolio of 260 gardens across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, including prominent sites such as Sissinghurst in Kent, Hidcote in Gloucestershire, and Stourhead in Wiltshire. Her appointment comes amid growing challenges posed by climate change, financial constraints, and evolving public expectations, prompting a reevaluation of traditional gardening practices within the conservation charity.

Das's tenure has been marked by a series of extreme weather events, including record heatwaves with temperatures soaring to 37.7°C and widespread hosepipe bans affecting much of the east and south of England just as the summer visitor season begins. These conditions have accelerated the need for a strategic shift in how the Trust’s gardens are managed, particularly given the charity's £43.9 million budget deficit, inflationary pressures, recent job cuts amounting to 500 posts, and difficulties attracting qualified gardeners on modest wages.

The National Trust, founded in 1895 to protect open spaces, historic buildings, and landscapes for public benefit, faces tension between conserving historical authenticity and adapting to a rapidly changing climate. Das acknowledges this balance and advocates for a shift in perspective—moving away from rigid aesthetic expectations towards embracing what she terms an “abundant” rather than “messy” appearance in gardens. She promotes sustainable practices such as “chop and drop,” where garden waste is left to decompose naturally, and the use of diverse planting to protect soil health. A key message she stresses is the need to accept changes in garden appearance, such as yellowing grass during drought, rather than resorting to environmentally unsustainable measures like watering lawns.

This approach has drawn criticism from groups such as Restore Trust, established in 2021, which argues for stricter adherence to the original conservationist mandate of preserving gardens without substantial change. Nonetheless, recent environment reports underscore the urgency of action, with a 2023 National Trust study warning that over 70% of its sites are at medium to high risk of climate-related damage by 2060. Last year’s severe weather caused significant losses, including the death of about 40% of newly planted trees and damage to peatlands and waterways. The Environment Agency also forecasts a substantial water shortage in England by 2055, further challenging traditional garden management methods.

Das’s horticultural background informs her adaptive strategy. A former professional musician turned gardener, she earned a diploma from Kew Gardens and has held positions at English Heritage’s Wrest Park and RHS Wisley, where she emphasized soil health and moved away from synthetic fertilizers. Colleagues such as Matthew Pottage, head of horticulture at The Royal Parks, praise her practical expertise and ability to translate sustainable principles into effective on-the-ground practices.

While she leads national strategy, Das acknowledges that ultimate decision-making lies with site managers and local teams, requiring her to influence and educate an extensive network of over 10,000 volunteers and professional staff. She seeks to change not only gardening techniques but also public perception and language around garden maintenance, challenging the notion that less-tidy areas are neglected and instead framing them as beneficial for biodiversity and resilience.

With climate change reshaping environmental conditions, Das envisions the National Trust’s gardens as living records of adaptation. She hopes visitors will leave inspired to incorporate sustainable gardening practices at home, creating a broader ripple effect. Despite facing criticism, she remains committed to repositioning historic gardens within the realities of the 21st century, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding these landscapes for future generations while acknowledging that the definition of beauty must evolve with the times.