The environmentalist and the diplomat: an Edwardian legacy

Against all received knowledge that the heroes and villains of Edwardian plant-hunting are already fully documented, new research shines a much-needed light on a plantsman and social activist from England’s Lake District who achieved prominence as…

Spirit Preserved Collections

The spirit collection comprises over 7,000 specimens preserved in fluid which are stored in glass jars in metal cabinets. This method of preservation is particularly important for fleshy flowers, fruits and fungi that are not suitable for drying,…

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Kingdom Botanica

Our History

Celebrating 350 years In 2020 we celebrated the scientific and horticultural achievements of the past 350 years, tracing our progress from 17th century physic garden to world-leading botanic garden. However, our celebrations were not just about…

Treasures Under Glass

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh has a world leading collection of plants, with a third of the collection - over 45,000 plants - growing in the Glasshouses. Watch the short film below to discover more about our precious collection of conservation…

Herbarium

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh's (RBGE) extensive Herbarium numbers approximately three million specimens, representing half to two thirds of the world’s flora. It is a leading botanical collection, with researchers from around the world…

Conservation

Large scale global change and direct human pressures on the natural environment are leading to extensive biodiversity loss and major societal impacts. There are pressing challenges in minimising extinction and promoting the maintenance and…

Training and Capacity Building

Sustainable management of the planet’s natural capital requires well-informed decision makers, effectively trained practitioners, and a wider public understanding of environmental challenges and solutions. To address this we deliver formal…