Journey to Addis Ababa in Ethiopia and Mottisfont garden in Hampshire, to discover a story of heritage and horticulture through two of the world’s most prestigious rose collections. 

We meet Princess Esther Selassie Antohin, founder of Heritage Watch Ethiopia, to explore the Tsegereda Rose Garden Project, an initiative that restores a link to Ethiopia’s imperial legacy and also tackles climate conservation challenges. The International National Trusts Organisation (INTO) has twinned the Tsegereda rose garden with one of the most important rose gardens in the world, the National Trust’s Mottisfont.

Uncover surprising connections between Ethiopia and the UK – from Emperor Haile Selassie’s wartime exile in Bath, to Sylvia Pankhurst, an English activist who championed Ethiopia’s independence.  Follow the fight to keep this heritage alive through extraordinary roses.   

Discover a story of gardens that have transcended borders to become symbols of heritage, resilience, and international collaboration.

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Producer and host: Jesse Edbrooke

Sound Design: Jesus Gomez

We protect and care for places so people and nature can thrive. Everyone can get involved, everyone can make a difference. Nature, beauty, history. For everyone, for ever.

You can donate to us at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/donate  

Read more about International National Trust Organisation Twinning (INTO) project www.into.org/withstanding-change-twinning/

Visit Heritage Watch Ethiopia website www.hwethiopia.org

Find out more about Mottisfont’s Rose Garden, Hampshire, England www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/hampshire/mottisfont/the-rose-garden-at-mottisfont