The unique Victorian fernery at Benmore Botanic Garden is the focus of this year's Members' Appeal. With your support, it can be restored to provide an enchanting experience for visitors.
Ferneries were commonplace in Victorian times, reflecting the craze for fern collecting. Only a few ferneries have survived in Scotland, one of which is at Benmore Botanic Garden in Argyll.
Benmore's Fernery was built in the 1870s and is now a Grade B listed building of great architectural and botanical value. The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland has deemed it "extremely rare and unique in its design". It is built into a hillside and ranges from single storey to three levels with a vaulted entrance, grotto and pool.
For the last 10 years, the Fernery has been off-limits to the public due its poor state of repair. However, a basic level of care has continued to maintain the structure. Now, plans are afoot to restore the building and give visitors the chance to see rare exotic and native ferns in a unique historic setting. Once restoration is complete, it will be a hub for workshops and guided tours, and a showcase for the importance of ferns.
The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) recently awarded a substantial grant to this project and other Trusts have committed generous contributions. Now we ask public support to restore this unusual piece of our botanical heritage to its original glory. Every penny donated will be matched against the Lottery money and put to good use.
- To support this year's Appeal, you can donate online now, or download the donation form, print and complete it and return it to us.
- Or read more about how your donation to the Benmore Fernery Appeal will be used in our Support Us section.