Lichens

Lichens

Lichens are very diverse; there are c. 20,000 to 30,000 species globally. They are ecologically important; they break down rocks forming stable soils, and they fix nitrogen from the atmosphere making it available for plant growth. Scotland is home…

Care and Conservation of Specimens

Care and Conservation of Herbarium Specimens

We have a duty to provide a safe and secure environment for all of our collections. To protect our herbarium specimens from loss or damage, we have specifically designed storage and strict specimen handling guidelines. The condition of the…

Collection Arrangement

Collection Arrangement

The collections have been listed in the order that they occur in the Herbarium.

Regulations - Library and Archives

General Library Regulations

The Library and Archives of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) are national reference collections and, as such, are open to all. Access to the collections is on the understanding that you agree to abide by our regulations which are essential…

Plant Humanities

Plant Humanities

By studying plants and fungi in the context of humanities disciplines such as history, literature, art, and philosophy, researchers gain insights into how plants have influenced human culture and identity. Plants play a vital role in deep-rooted…

Illustrations in the RBGE Library & Archives

Image Collection

The Collection also provides an insight into the history of the Garden through illustrations commissioned by several of its Regius Keepers, notably John Hope and John Hutton Balfour, and by artists that are particularly associated with the…

American Friends of the Botanics Foundation

American Friends of the Botanics Foundation

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) founded in 1670 is one of the four top scientific focussed botanical gardens in the world. The living collection at RBGE encompasses more than 130,000 plants and 13,600 species from over 160…

Secondary Science Holiday Club

Secondary Science Holiday Club

Expedition Botanics - A science holiday club for secondary pupils  Join us for our week-long look into every corner of biodiversity research, from field skills to lab skills, this summer school delves into the incredible collections and expertise…

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Engaging Gardens

Engaging Gardens

We want to make sure that every person can access and benefit from the health, wellbeing and learning opportunities offered by RBGE's four Gardens, Collections and expertise. We connect health and wellbeing,…