What is the Edinburgh Biomes project?

  • Arguably the most visionary and exciting project of the Garden’s 350-year history, Edinburgh Biomes will avoid the catastrophic loss of up to 6,000 species by restoring the public and research Glasshouses and deliver world-leading facilities that will protect the work of this national institution for the future.

    Restoring the Glasshouses

    The Garden’s Grade-A listed Victorian Palm Houses and 1960’s 'front-range' Glasshouses, as well as behind-the-scenes research houses require extensive refurbishment. Their restoration will ensure the Glasshouses continue to provide a safe environment for the Garden’s priceless plant collection.

    Saving our plant collection

    Comprising over 13,500 plant species, RBGE’s collection includes many plants that are endangered or extinct in their native habitats. In the Glasshouses alone, there are 6,000 different species.

    New facilities

    Planned to take shape through a progression of stages over seven years, Edinburgh Biomes will also include new facilities including an efficient, cost-effective energy centre, that will significantly reduce the Garden’s carbon emissions and a new plant health hub which will provide a safe bio-secure propagation environment. Read our FAQs for more information.

     

    Make a donation to the Palm Houses Appeal

     

    Read our project updates
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Watch

An introduction to Edinburgh Biomes

Supported by:

Logo for Historic Environment Scotland   

Frequently Asked Questions