800
plants to care for in new homes, ready for reinstating back in the Palm Houses
The Project
In a world where 40% of plant species are under threat, botanic gardens have never been more needed or their mission more urgent.
Our restoration of our iconic Palm Houses will showcase the world of plants under glass, and seek to address the twin threats of the climate emergency and biodiversity crisis
We have embarked on an ambitious restoration programme.
With all your donations being doubled, even a small donation makes a big difference.
Each pane of glass will be replaced with energy efficient robust glass – reducing our carbon footprint and the costs of running the Palm Houses. It will ensure that the precious plants within are protected, as well as cutting down on closures for the public due to adverse weather.
We will be bringing back exquisite species of plants, some rare and under threat in their native habitats. The Palm Houses will be opened as one space for the first time since 1871.
They will house a temperate rainforest (including fernery) with new pathways to lead visitors through. The new visitor experience will inspire a new generation, as well as welcome and awe those who are returning.
Restoration Update
In the Tropical Palm House the Crow’s Nest walkway has been reinstated, the glazing is substantially complete, and the team have commenced re-building the timber cap house at the top of the south spiral stair. Despite difficulties in fitting the glass in a few locations where the historic glazing bars are out of alignment, the team has resolved this by splitting the panes of glass.
In anticipation of the completion of restoration work, an ambitious new planting plan is being developed for the Palm Houses. Now designed as a single, temperate space, the building will showcase species that thrive in cool, temperate rainforests with a focus on palms interplanted with ferns – a subtle nod to the passions of the Victorians who created these wonderful buildings.
This restoration is more than architectural revival; it's a commitment to our future. From children to global explorers, our revitalized Palm Houses will be a living classroom, showcasing the beauty and importance of these exquisite plants.
Picture yourself strolling through a temperate rainforest, guided by new pathways that lead you through a journey of discovery. Here, the key themes of conservation and climate solutions will unfold, inviting everyone to be a part of something bigger.
600
metres sq of rusted ironwork to strip the paint from, repair and restore
5750
panes of glass to replace with reinforced, energy efficient glasswork
Conserving the Palm Houses' ironwork
Watch the short film below to learn more about the fascinating process of blasting, repairing and painting, as we renovate these wonderful buildings.
The Palm Houses and our Living Collection
RBGE is home to one of the world's richest collections of living plants with more than 130,000 plants in our care, and 13,500 distinct species in cultivation built up over centuries from across the globe.
These Grade A Listed Heritage buildings are instrumental in documenting the past, nurturing the present and protecting the future. They, along with the research Glasshouses, are home to 30% of our unique plant collection and enable us to protect against a loss of genetic diversity, and reduce the risk of extinction for species threatened in the wild.
Find out more about the history of the Palm Houses
