Monty Don is to step down as the host of Gardeners’ World after more than 20 years, the BBC has announced.

The 71-year-old, who is the programme’s longest-serving head gardener, will leave at the end of the current series.

In a statement, Don said working on the show had been a “deeply rewarding experience,” but added: “Now is the right time for a change.”

The BBC said Don had” inspired and guided millions of viewers with his warmth, wisdom and passion for gardening” since joining the programme in 2003.

Don began presenting the programme at Berryfields, a rented garden in Stratford-upon-Avon, before it moved in 2011 to his own garden, Longmeadow in Herefordshire.

“Throughout that time – and around 700 programmes – I have had the privilege of sharing my own abiding passion for gardens and gardening with an equally passionate, and often equally knowledgeable audience,” he said.

“That connection with millions, not just in Britain but across the world, who share a love of gardens, plants and the natural world is something I have always treasured and which I increasingly believe to be at the heart of a life well lived.”

Don added he had “always relished the craft of programme making” and paid tribute to the “superlative BBC team” he worked with over the years.

“I look forward to continuing to work with and for the BBC on other projects, as well as following new avenues,” he concluded. “And of course, I will still be gardening, dog by side, here at Longmeadow.”

The presenter, whose full name is George Montague Don, made his TV debut in 1989 with a gardening segment on ITV’s This Morning.

That led to further work on the BBC and Channel 4, a newspaper column, and the publication of more than 20 books about gardening authored by Don.

He replaced Alan Titchmarsh on Gardeners’ World in 2003, but took a break from the programme in 2008 as he recovered from a stroke.

He has also presented other programmes including Around the World in 80 Gardens, My Dream Farm, Mastercrafts, Monty Don’s Rhineland Gardens, and coverage of the Chelsea Flower Show.

The BBC’s chief content officer Kate Phillips described Don as “unique”, adding he was “a wonderfully engaging broadcaster with a soothing, calm presence who has inspired so many”.

“Monty’s decision to leave Gardeners’ World is one I respect, but I’m still very sad he’s leaving,” she added.

“We are a nation full of budding gardeners, and his tips and advice have been invaluable to viewers for more than 20 years and have certainly helped me increase my knowledge as well as my plant survival rate!

“I would like to thank Monty personally for his honesty and kindness which has seen him open up about his own personal struggles and the power of the natural world to improve mental health. We will miss him on the show hugely.”

Don has been open about his struggle with depression over the years.