In a vibrant oasis nestled within the heart of Edgbaston, Birmingham Botanical Gardens (BBG) is not just a sanctuary for flora and fauna but a nurturing ground for community wellness.

Teaming up with Edgbaston Archery and Lawn Tennis Society (EALTS), BBG has embarked on a unique partnership and journey of social prescribing, enriching the lives of around 50 carers and isolated adults, through the combined power of nature and sports.

Located next door to each other, BBG and EALTS are making the most of their proximity by working together to deliver three transformative social prescribing projects – Carers Tennis Project, Tennis Connect and Exercise Connect.

Not only are the projects helping people get outside, exercise and socialise, but the beautiful surroundings of The Botanical Gardens are also playing a part in supporting people’s health and wellbeing by connecting them to nature.

At the heart of this partnership lies a profound understanding of the therapeutic potential of green spaces. A report from the from the Mental Health Foundation underscores the profound impact of ‘nature connectedness’ on people’s mental and emotional health, and how high quality urban green spaces, like BBG, can enable more people to enjoy and connect with the environment.

“We are the lucky tennis club. We have the most beautiful surroundings you could hope for being direct neighbours to the Botanical Gardens.” Neil Glasspool, EALTS Club Secretary

Background

Founded in 1860, EALTS is the oldest lawn tennis club in the world. As part of the club’s development plan, it was keen to encourage a greater number of people from the surrounding area to utilise its year-round play facilities and be a ‘force for good’ in the local community.

A meeting between EALTS with Birmingham Mental Health Carers Support Service subsequently enabled three projects to be developed. The projects combine weekly tennis coaching and exercise sessions at EALTS with social time at BBG.

When it came to providing the social element of the projects, Neil Glasspool, EALTS Club Secretary reached out to Sara Blair-Manning, Chief Executive of BBG who was delighted to support the projects and work collaboratively with EALTS.

“Being located next door to the beautiful Birmingham Botanical Gardens made it a natural partnership for the projects. We are so pleased to have been able to host the projects with both our facilities and with the partnership that has grown with our close neighbours.”  Neil Glasspool

The Projects: 

• The Carers Tennis Project: a weekly coached tennis session for females followed by social time in the Gardens.
• Tennis Connect: Held weekly on Fridays, the Tennis Connect group is designed for people over 50 living alone. It offers the combination of company, exercise and relaxation in nature. Participants undertake 45 minutes of exercise, 45 minutes of tennis coaching and an hour of peaceful contemplation at BBG to promote mental health and wellbeing.
• Exercise Connect: Exercise Connect was established as an ‘extra’ session to Tennis Connect following high demand for the project. People meet weekly every Wednesday.

The three social prescribing projects are being delivered thanks to funding from Sport England, The National Lottery Community Fund, Lawn Tennis Association, Warwickshire Lawn Tennis Association, Boost, and Lillie C Johnson Charitable Trust. The projects also have support from Sportworks, an award-winning social enterprise.

Many of the participants taking part in the projects have been referred by The Active Wellbeing Society (TAWS) which has links with social prescribers at two local GP surgeries.

“Social prescribing helps to create and nurture connections between people and places, sharing community assets and opportunities with a diverse range of people. Crucially social prescribing provides a supportive framework for those first steps, encouraging new community members to visit The Botanical Gardens and benefit from this unique and special green space in the city.” Jen Ridding, Head of Engagement and Learning, Birmingham Botanical Gardens

First steps into nature

The social side of all the projects is vital. It gives participants an opportunity to form new friendships and support circles, as well as connect with nature. It also encourages new community members to visit the Gardens and benefit from this unique and special green space in the city.

The time spent at BBG also addresses the downward national trend of people gaining health benefits from nature.

In a recent ONS report based on the 2021 Census, it was found that people in the UK are spending less time in natural environments since the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The value of the lost health benefits from spending time in nature has been estimated at around £390 million, equivalent to an NHS spend of £356 per person on average.

‘Green’ social prescribing that encourages connections to nature, can be fundamental for improving an individual’s quality of life.

The National Social Prescribing Academy has reported that not only does being immersed in nature increase mental and physical wellbeing, but it also helps to strengthen social structures fostering a social connectedness, decreasing the feeling of isolation.

“This project is a great weekly social event. We meet as a group in stimulating surroundings. The Gardens offer a peaceful addition to the day.” Tennis Connect participant

Nurturing nature connections

The social element of the projects is further enhanced with talks and tours of The Gardens.

Sila Bolat, Conservation Ranger at the Gardens, leads a number of tours around The Gardens. She aims to both educate and foster a love of nature in participants during her tours.

“The tours are a great opportunity to show participants The Gardens and how they evolve with the seasons. I aim to make the tours interactive and sensory; using poetry, the colours of nature, and the smells within the Gardens such as the wild garlic, to bring them to life. It’s as wonderful for me as it is for the participants. They are engaged and ask so many questions. It’s great fun and a lovely experience for me to share my love of BBG and see the participants develop a deepened connection with nature.” Sila Bolat

Sustainable Growth

Sustainability is key for all the projects. BBG and EALTS are keen to keep fostering ongoing engagement, ensuring the legacy of their partnership flourishes beyond the projects.

EALTS is now looking to identify future funding streams that will enable project participants to become members of the tennis club. This will enable them to continue to play tennis with their newly formed social circles. BBG has also agreed that project members can continue to utilise The Gardens for social time.

It is hoped that the project beneficiaries will create an independent community group, with a constitution supported by both EALTS and BBG.

The partnership is an example of the transformative potential of collaboration, proving that when communities come together, they have the power to nurture growth, foster connection, and cultivate a brighter tomorrow.

“Building new connections with our community neighbours is central to the future of The Gardens. The partnership with EALTS and TAWS demonstrates the impact we can have by working together and collaborating to amplify the benefits our community assets offer and nurture positive difference in the lives of our community members.” Jen Ridding

Ready, Set, Bloom!

Easter Holidays at Birmingham Botanical Gardens

23 March – 7th April

Spring has sprung at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens this Easter! There are lots of activities you can get involved in whilst discovering the Gardens’ beautiful spring blooms.

Our self-guided Easter egg trail will allow you to explore the Gardens at your own pace.

Still need to burn off some energy? Join interactive Stretch and Bloom sessions – fun workshops which include yoga, flower inspired dance-a-longs, and lily-pad themed fun!

Drop in to Botanical Art Club and be inspired by the Gardens’ blooming flora to create your own masterpiece.

On selected dates, make sure to say hello and grab a selfie with Queen Bee-atrice, our resident Honeybee, who you’ll find buzzing around the Gardens.

Here’s a rundown of a packed programme of activities.

FOR FAMILIES

Botanical Easter Egg Trail

Get ready for an egg-citing family adventure to find eight botanical eggs in the Gardens while exploring the spring flora! Can you fond them all? Trail sheets can be booked online or purchased at the Welcome Desk.

This self guided activity is recommended for ages 6+ years. Little ones are welcome too, (with a helping hand from grown-ups to read instructions).

Dates: Available every day from 23 March – 7th April

Location: Outside

Times: 10am – 4pm

Price: £1.25 (plus admission to The Gardens).

Click here for more info

Stretch and Bloom Sessions

Join in our Stretch and Bloom Sessions – fun interactive sessions which include yoga, spring inspired dance-a-longs, and lily-pad themed fun! These easily accessible, mood-boosting sessions are the perfect way to energise your mind and body and get moving in whatever way you can. Recommended for ages 4 – 12 years but mum, dad, or gran and grandad can join in too!

Dates: 23rd March / 24th March / 29th March / 30th March  / 1st April

Location: Indoors – Terrace Suite

Times: 10:45am, 12pm, 2pm, 3:15pm (Each session lasts 40 minutes).

Price: £3.50 per child, per session (plus admission to The Gardens).

Click here for more info

Gardens Art Club: Spring Blooms

Unleash your imagination in our drop-in craft sessions, and let your creativity be inspired by the vibrant blooms in our living collection of plants and flowers. Dive into a world of color and texture using an array of paper materials and crafting techniques to create your favourite flowers.

Perfect for ages 4 to 12, but adults, you’re welcome too! Our facilitators will ensure everyone can participate and craft something truly special.

Don’t miss this opportunity to make memories and masterpieces that you can take home with you.

Dates: 23 March to 31 March

Location: The Gallery

Times: 10am – 4pm daily. (Drop in for up to 30mins).

Free with general admission to The Gardens.

Click for more info

Animal Handling Sessions

This Easter holidays will see the return of our ever-popular animal handling sessions!

Our Learning Team will help you get up close and personal with some of the creatures not on display to the public. From corn snakes to cockroaches, get ready to learn and have fun handling some of our amazing animals.

Recommended for ages 4 – 12 year olds.

Dates: 25 March / 27 March / 2 April / 4 April

Location: 25 March / 27 March – in the Learning Classroom. Accessibility note: Please note, the Learning Classroom is unfortunately only accessible via stairs. 2 April / 4 April – in The Gallery and has step-free access.

Times: 10:30, 11:30, 13:30 ( lasting 30 minutes).

Price: £3 per child (plus admission to The Gardens).

Click for more info

Gardens Walkshop: Create a Journey Stick

Join us for a creative mix of foraging, crafting, and storytelling during a guided walk.

Journey sticks are a fun, tactile way of recording a journey and remembering it later on, and have been used by some aboriginal cultures to tell stories about their travels.

Our Conservation Ranger, Sila, will guide you around the gardens to collect and arrange fallen natural treasures like feathers, which you’ll use to make and decorate your own Journey Sticks.

This activity is recommended for ages 6 – 12 year olds. Some of the session will be outside, so please dress for the weather.

Dates: 3 & 5 April

Location: Meet in the Gallery, before exploring the Gardens

Times: 11am & 1:30pm (lasting one hour).

Price: £5 per child (plus admission to The Gardens) with discounts for members.

Click for more info

Gardens Crafts: Build a Bee Hotel

Join our Conservation Ranger, Sila, to build a home for bees, using upcycled materials.

Solitary bees are in trouble, facing the risk of extinction. But together, we can make a difference! By crafting bee hotels, we provide safe havens for these important pollinators, helping to protect our ecosystems. During this activity you will learn the skills to build a bee hotel and be able to support the bees in your own garden at home.

During the session you’ll also be joined by the Queen Bee-atrice, who is buzzing to welcome you to the session and share some fascinating pollinator facts!

Date: 1 April

Location: The Gallery

Times: 11am & 1:30pm (lasting one hour).

Price: £5 per child (plus admission to The Gardens).

Click for more info

“I am developing new and transferrable skills during my traineeship. It is interesting and challenging and has opened up a whole new world for me.” Ruth Davis, Trainee, Birmingham Botanical Gardens

A 12-month traineeship at Birmingham Botanical Gardens (BBG) is not only helping Ruth Davis discover a new career path, but also care for and maintain BBG’s National Collection of Cyclamen.

In addition to caring for the Cyclamen located throughout the grounds and in a number of the glasshouses at BBG, it is Ruth’s role to catalogue this nationally significant collection.

Ruth’s post as Cyclamen trainee is vital in helping BBG maintain the health of the collection, as well as putting it on display for the first time in around 10 years.

(Image: Ruth arranging the Cyclamen display in the Mediterranean House). 

Background

Prior to joining BBG in a full time role as a trainee, Ruth had a long association with the Gardens, having been a regular visitor since childhood, and then becoming a volunteer in 2018.

It was during a career break from the Arts, that Ruth began working as a volunteer at BBG, initially to specifically look after the collection of carnivorous plants. This soon led to working in various other areas of the gardens. It was while volunteering that she became aware of the traineeship.

“I love the outdoors, particularly big open spaces. It was through my volunteering at BBG, that I was able to see an opportunity for a late career change,” explained Ruth.

(Image: Cyclamen photo by Ruth, for the @cyclamensociety Instagram page)

Traineeship overview

This is the first time that BBG has had a trainee appointed to look after its Cyclamen Collection. BBG’s Cyclamen Collection was awarded National Collection status in 2016. It is an extensive and important collection as it is used both for research as well as providing colourful blooms throughout the year within BBG’s gardens.

Having National Collection status opened the doors for BBG to not only preserve rare species, but also to increase skills locally in horticulture and showcase the collection in a dedicated display.

Emily Hazell, Director of Horticulture at Birmingham Botanical Gardens, explained: “I am passionate about training and for BBG to become a learning organisation in general. Creating a traineeship as part of our permanent structure not only aligns us with the Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) accreditation targets but also develops people within the organisation.

“The traineeship has really flourished under supervision of Bethan Collerton, our Alpine Senior Horticulturist. Bethan joined our team end of September and is truly engaging with Ruth’s personal development as a trainee.”

(Image: Ruth driving the tractor, pulling a a trailer full of Cyclamen ready to go on display in the Mediterranean Glasshouse, and Bethan assisting with the decant.)

Ruth is supported in her paid traineeship by two volunteers from the Cyclamen Society who help her in her work to look after the extensive collection. In turn, she is working with a number of volunteers who are also helping to care for the Cyclamen Collection at BBG.

She said: “I have welcomed the opportunity for me to supervise volunteers. They have been invaluable in helping me, particularly with time sensitive tasks like clearing the Azalea Bank in time for the opening night of the popular Luminate Trail in November.”

A partnership approach

Ruth’s traineeship is the first of its kind in the UK and jointly funded by BBG and the Cyclamen Society, an international specialist plant society based in the UK.

The Society, which is a registered charity, was established in 1977 and exists to encourage cultivation and conservation, and to extend knowledge of the genus Cyclamen and its species, forms, and cultivars. It currently numbers 1000 members internationally.

Through the traineeship, the Cyclamen Society aims to broaden its audiences.

BBG’s goals for the collection align with those of the Cyclamen Society’s educational remit and desire to raise the profile of the genus Cyclamen and the need to develop new audiences. The creation of a Cyclamen traineeship was identified by both BBG and the Cyclamen Society as an opportunity to work in partnership to achieve their respective goals.

Ruth added: “The traineeship and the work I am doing as part of it, is a very big responsibility and one that I hope I am doing justice to for both Birmingham Botanical Gardens and the Cyclamen Society.”

(Image: Ruth at the Cyclamen Show at BBG, 2023.)

Looking to the future

Ruth’s traineeship will continue to be focussed on maintaining and improving the collection of Cyclamen at BBG, while also enhancing the visitor experience by showcasing this special collection.

“There are currently Cyclamen in the Mediterranean and Alpine glasshouses as well as throughout the grounds, but part of the plan is to develop dedicated areas of Cyclamen in different parts of the gardens. I also plan to relocate some of the existing outdoor Cyclamen and plant out a number of the Cyclamen currently housed in the nursery and currently not accessible to the public,” she explained.

(Image: Ruth changing the display in the Alpine Glasshouse.)

Beyond her traineeship with BBG, Ruth said: “The traineeship has given me so many transferrable skills, including learning how to drive a tractor. While I have yet to complete it, I can see, already, how I will be able to bring my developing skills to a future career in the heritage and horticultural sectors.”

Throughout the traineeship Ruth is also to helping increase the awareness and importance of the Cyclamen Society through social media.

Follow the Cyclamen Society’s Instagram page @cyclamensociety to follow and support Ruth’s journey and learn more about Cyclamen.

(Image: Cyclamen photo by Ruth, for the @cyclamensociety Instagram page)

BBG’s National Cyclamen Collection will be on display in the Mediterranean Glasshouse from 10^th – 18^th February 2024.

Ruth will be delivering drop-in talks at the Gardens, where she will be sharing fascinating insights into the history, cultivation, and significance of Cyclamen within the botanical world from 14^th – 18^th February 2024.

For more information on events visit https://www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• Please note our opening hours will change on the 10^th February 2024 to 10am – 5pm

Winter Flowers in Focus this February Half Term at Birmingham Botanical Gardens

While preparations are in full swing for a very busy spring and summer at the Gardens, we’re excited to share and showcase a variety of winter flowers and foliage this half term.

We’re offering family crafts, short talks, guided walks, and something a little more in-depth in the form of an expert talk on the world of Cyclamen. Here’s sneak peek…

Cyclamen Celebration

Did you know that we have a National Collection of Cyclamen?

During half term, visit the Mediterranean House where you can see a new display of this diverse, colourful, winter flower; supported by the Cyclamen Society.
You’ll also be able to spot cyclamen in bloom in a variety of places around the gardens grounds.

Times: During opening hours, 10:00 – 17:00
Price: Included within admission, just drop in.
Click here for more info

FOR FAMILIES

Winter Arts and Crafts: Snowdrops and Cyclamen

We’re running four days of drop in arts and craft sessions themed around the winter flowers at the Gardens. Join Infamous Community Arts, who will be on hand to guide you to create your very own artwork inspired by the Gardens’ living collection of plants and flowers.

Dates: Saturday 10 Feb, Sunday 11 Feb, Monday 12 Feb, Tuesday 13 Feb
Times: 11:00 – 13:00 & 13:00 – 16:00
Price: Included with general admission.
Click here for more info

Winter Crafts: Den Building Workshop

Learn some wilderness crafts this half term! During this workshop families will learn how to build an amazing outdoor den from natural materials from around the gardens! Building a den is a great way to spend time in nature and have lots of fun! You’ll also get a chance to observe the dens of native wildlife who have made their home at the Gardens.
Dates: Monday 12 Feb, Tuesday 13 Feb
Times: 13:30 – 14:30
Price: £5.00, £3.50 for members, plus admission to the gardens.
Click for more info

A GUIDED STROLL…

Guided Walk: Winter Blooms

Join us for an informal guided walk with a senior horticulturist and learn more about the Gardens winter blooms and foliage.

Dates: Thursday 15 Feb
Times: 13:30 – 14:30
Price: £5.00, £3.50 for members, plus admission to the gardens.
Click for more info

TALKS PROGRAMME

Drop-in Talks: Cyclamen Collection

We’re offering short, informal drop-in talks about these unique winter flowers in our Mediterranean House on several occasions during half term. The talks are delivered by our Cyclamen trainee, Ruth, who cares for the collection, with support from the Cyclamen Society members who will be on hand to chat with visitors throughout. Simply drop in and sign up on the day. Places limited.

Dates: Wednesday 14 Feb, Thursday 15 Feb, Friday 16 Feb, Saturday 17 Feb, Sunday 18 Feb
Times: 14:00 – 14:20 each day
Price: Included with general admission.

Horticulture Talk: Cyclamen in the Wild and in Cultivation

Discover the world of cyclamen with Martyn Denney from the Cyclamen Society!

Join us for a detailed discussion about how to grow and care for these beautiful plants, both indoors and outdoors. Martyn will cover many interesting and attractive cultivars, finishing the talk with a discussion about composts and other aspects of cultivation.

Dates: Saturday 17 Feb
Times: 15:00 – 16:30
Price: £5.00, £3.50 for members, plus admission to the gardens.
Click here for more info

EXPLORE OUR GIFT AND PLANT SHOP

New seasonal ranges… 

With a selection of learning and discovery toys to help you explore nature from bugnoculars to books there’s plenty of options to keep the little ones busy this half-term.

Feeling inspired by the Gardens? Explore our indoor and outdoor seasonal plant ranges and brighten up your gardens. Discounts apply for members.

BECOME A MEMBER

Unlock a whole year of adventures! 

Visit the plants from around the world in the Glasshouses, enjoy live music on the bandstand, a lunch for two on the terrace or a picnic with family friends on the lawn, there’s unlimited fun to be had at the Gardens all year round!

Click here to find the perfect membership for you

BBG Flora in Focus Photography Competition – Now Open!

Are you a budding photographer? Then why not capture the wonders of Birmingham Botanical Gardens and enter our Flora in Focus competition!

This competition is partnered with the International Garden Photography of the Year exhibition, with winning entries being displayed here at the Gardens. Whether you are a fledgling photographer with an iPhone or a dab hand with a DSLR, this free-to-enter opportunity is open to anyone over 18 years old, with the aim to express the beauty of the plants here at Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

As with any good competition, there are prizes to be won!
Deadline: March 15, 2024, 12 noon GMT

First prize:

Your photograph goes on display at the IGPOTY Birmingham Botanical Gardens (BBG) exhibition in 2024 and a signed individual certificate.

Special prizes awarded by BBG:

1x one year family membership to BBG plus a bespoke, private behind-the-scenes tour of the Gardens (with senior member of the Horticulture Team)

2 x tickets to an outdoor theatre show of your choice (held at BBG)

£10 voucher for BBG Gift Shop & Plant Centre

Second prize:

Your photograph goes on display at the IGPOTY Birmingham Botanical Gardens (BBG) exhibition in 2024 and a signed individual certificate.

Special prizes awarded by BBG:

1x family ticket (one complimentary visit) to BBG

2 x tickets to an outdoor theatre show of your choice (held at BBG)

£5 voucher for BBG Gift Shop & Plant Centre

Third prize:

Your photograph goes on display at the IGPOTY Birmingham Botanical Gardens (BBG) exhibition in 2024 and a signed individual certificate.

Special prizes awarded by BBG:

1x family ticket (one complimentary visit) to BBG

£5 voucher for BBG Gift Shop & Plant Centre

For a full list of terms and conditions and to enter – click here.

All applicants are valid for 10% off entry – use the code FOCUS24 at when buying your tickets online.

Why not get some inspiration from some of the top entries in 2023.

1st Place By Brian Lee: Coiled, Ready for Spring	2nd Place Chris Mills, Sundew	3rd Place Simon Lea, Light in the Tall Grasses

Birmingham Botanical Gardens are delighted to announce our Spread the Composting campaign is complete and our new composting facilities are fully operational!

On behalf of all at Birmingham Botanical Gardens we wish to thank everyone for their generous support. Delivering the Composting Project has been critical to preserving and growing the Gardens for future generations – it now provides a sustainable composting system enhancing our environmental and financial sustainability. Thank you.

The Need for a Replacement Composting Facility 

Since opening to the public in 1832, BBG has needed to fertilize the soil to maintain healthy plants. Today, the use of compost leads to a multitude of benefits such as saving water by helping soil hold moisture; adding nutrients to soil to help plant growth, encouraging healthy root structure; balancing soil pH (acidity); and preventing erosion. We use compost as a surface covering to hold moisture and suppress weeds, reducing the time taken for time-consuming maintenance tasks of watering and weeding, while helping our varied collection of plants to thrive. Our 60-year-old composting structure had collapsed and was no longer fit for purpose. The base of the heap had become permeable, allowing toxic leachates to permeate the base and potentially enter the nearby Chad Brook. The lack of a composting system at the Gardens was having a significantly detrimental impact on plant biodiversity and local environment. It also created the additional costs of disposing of green waste in other ways, hiring additional staff to weed and water, and having to purchase compost.

The New Composting Facility

The Composting Project has meant that a new purpose-designed facility has been constructed in the nursery area of the site at the Botanical Gardens, adjacent to the primary horticultural working area. The final cost of the project was £101,000. We were able to meet the additional cost, required to address the technical complexity of the leachate pumping system, from our successful fundraising. The large composting structures have been treated to protect and seal the construction from the effects of the elements and have been designed for vehicular tractor use. The project construction and build were undertaken by Reynolds Conservation Limited – a conservation and restoration company based in Ludlow, Shropshire with a wealth of experience. The project was managed with assistance from Conservation Architects, Donald Insall Associates, an award-winning architectural practice, and historic buildings consultancy, based in Birmingham.

The compost bays will allow Birmingham Botanical Gardens to responsibly manage its green-waste with a small team working hard to maintain this 15-acre Grade II* listed landscape. The compost will be used on site to mulch the herbaceous borders and the Compost leachate will be collected in a leachate tank and, pending testing, hoped to be used to replace other plant feeds. Plant feeds are often manufactured from fossil fuels, so this will ensure we are reducing our carbon footprint as well as safeguarding the watercourses around the Gardens from Compost leachates. The Composting now allows us to: feed and nurture our soil in the context of topsoil loss; sequester carbon; sequester nutrients; supress weeds; aid moisture retention to reduce irrigation; reduce leaching across the site; provide compost for the Glasshouses; reduce carbon footprint shipping mulch in and feed production; and feed the soil microfauna – beneficial soil critters for plant and tree health. One of the key features of the facility is the inbuilt underground storage leachate tank with electronic pumping system.

Thank you to our Funders and Supporters

We are immensely grateful for the major grant from Veolia Environmental Trust, via the Landfill Communities Trust without whom we could not have delivered the project so successfully. We are also very grateful for major donations from The Banister Trust, Roger & Douglas Turner Trust, 29^th May 1961 Charity, Loppylugs & Barbara Morrison Trust, Open Gate Trust, HDH Wills Wildlife Trust and the CB & HH Taylor Trust. In addition, we wish to acknowledge our very special thanks to all those individuals and members of BBG who made personal donations to the project. These donations have made a real difference and without the support of individuals we could not have claimed the Veolia grant. We are grateful to the generosity of all our funders, members and individual supporters who have made this fantastic project possible. As a registered and independent charity, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, receives no regular public funding.

‘I am absolutely delighted with our new Compost Bays, the production of compost in house and the prospect of capturing and using the leachate as a feed is an exciting step forward towards our ambitious waste management and sustainability strategies.’ Emily Hazell, Director of Horticulture & Curation.

Money Doesn’t Grow on Trees

With the success of our new composting facilities, we’re now looking to grow our Tree Appeal to transform BBG’s tree care, health, and maintenance programme to protect, save and maintain happy, healthier trees at the Gardens throughout the seasons.

With your help, we can provide strength for climate resilient trees and continue to add to the tree canopy in Birmingham. You can find out more about how you can get involved and support the Gardens here. Thank you.

Now showing ‘Seed Lights’ by Saranjit Bird.

Seed lights was a sound event with animations, poetry, music and live performance at Winterbourne House and Garden. This exhibition displays video and photographic documentation of the event, drawings and poetry, and painting by artist Saranjit Bird.

Seed Lights was set in winter, admits a cultural and religious festivals celebrating spiritual aspects of light. It was also followed Saranjit’s exhibition The Secret Life of Plants and Poiesis, in 2023. These artworks, inspired by Winterbourne House and Gardens flora and Herbarium collection, were shown as Seed Lights animations, projected at large scale onto the building with music.

Saranjit is a contemporary artist with foundations as an architect, dancer and musician. In this combined art-work he merges separate art disciplines into a synthesised whole. His interests also lies in working with local artists and, though the project, mentoring artists from diverse backgrounds.

The Artists Workshops
The artists workshops were carried out with participants drawn from the respective communities attending The Birmingham Botanical gardens: Ramgarhia Sihk Temple (Birmingham); Friends of Selly oak Park group, and Ariel scouts group, Selly Oak. All participants were asked to reflect on the theme of Flora and Spiritual light. These works are displayed int he exhibition but were also manipulated and collated by the artist for the light projection animation set to music.

The workshop at The Birmingham Botanical Gardens featured participants responding to music generated by plants using cutting edge technology ‘PlantWave’ that was made available to the artist. All participants were offered seed bombs, comprising of wild and bee-attracting flower seeds embedded in clay pellets, to plant.

The exhibition runs from 15th December 2023 – February 2024.

This exhibition is included with general admission to the Gardens.
You can book your general admissions tickets by clicking here.