Protect the Living Collection
40% of plant species are at risk of extinction. Help us to protect the tens of thousands of species we protect in our Gardens
Save the PALM HOUSES at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Donate Today
We’ve just reached a key moment in the Palm House restoration, with almost all of the iconic arched window reinstalled, and scaffolding removed around the ‘crow’s nest.’ These milestones are a testament to the progress we’ve made, but there’s still so much work to be done. Your gift today will get us closer to our goal of reopening the Palm Houses.
Arched window installation
You can make a difference today
Over 200 years, the stonework has crumbled, the ironwork rusted, the glasswork broken and ineffective.
But you can help to change this.
Your contribution means a resilient future for the Palm Houses, where they can open their doors to you once more.
Your gift will mean the Palm Houses can provide a haven for incredible plants, some under threat in their native habitats.
Donate today, and your gift will be put to work immediately - the ironwork has proven to be in a worse condition than originally thought, and there is a lot still to do.
Find out more about the projectSadie Barber - Research Collections Manager
Sadie started her career as a horticulturist at RBGE in 2006, and now manages the Glasshouse Research Collections. She has been closely involved with the original decant of all the plants from the Palm Houses, and is now working on the re-opening plans for the Palm Houses.
“During this project, our horticulturists moved approximately 40,000 plants from the Glasshouses prior to their restoration. We have already faced many different challenges – such as how to safely lift and move large palms – but our teams worked closely together to provide ingenious solutions."
Tommy Scott - apprentice painter
Tommy Scott
Apprentice painter
Tommy Scott was proud to tell anyone who'd listen that as an apprentice he'd had a role in the redecoration of the Palm Houses in the 1950s. He spoke of his fear as he painted so high he reached the top of the palms! His family have told us how he moved close to the Garden a few years before his passing, visiting most days and enjoying chats with our gardeners. People like Tommy make up the rich history of our Palm Houses, our Glasshouse Guardians. You can become a Glasshouse Guardian too by donating today to help save them.
Up in the sky
High on the gallery of the Temperate Palm House in 1937, gardener Harry Moseley takes a break from work
Roof inspections
Lawrie Buchan (right) and colleague John Bryan inspect the roof of the Tropical Palm House in the 1950's
Kate Humble and the Palm House Restoration
Your donation will make a difference
We need to raise £250,000 towards the completion of the Palm Houses Restoration. Join us in cultivating a legacy that inspires, educates, and stands as a beacon of hope amid the climate crisis.
Help Tackle Biodiversity Loss
By providing a refuge to species across the world we can help to combat the climate crisis
Save The Palm Houses
Our revitalised Palm Houses will be a living classroom, showcasing the beauty and importance of these exquisite plants
Your Impact
Your support is an investment in a greener, more resilient future.
Species like the majestic Black Tree Fern, with its 5-meter fronds, will flourish, turning the Palm Houses into a living classroom.
Each new pane of glass is a testament to sustainability, using reinforced glass to keep the plants protected and energy usage down.
Your support is not just a donation; it is a pledge to uphold the beauty, biodiversity, and historical legacy of our garden.
Whether you give £10 or £100, with matched funding your gift will make an impact. Please donate today.
