The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) has won the backing of city councillors to proceed with the ambitious £70m Edinburgh Biomes project to safeguard Scotland’s national plant collections
Councillors agreed to support the case for RBGE’s Edinburgh Biomes project, underscoring Scotland’s role as a global leader in plant science. It will allow the organisation to address real and increasing threats, such a plant disease and habitat loss, and to deliver a globally-important resource integral to its remit to explore, conserve and explain the world of plants for a better future.
The Edinburgh Biomes project has been approved at a time when the two “Grade A” listed Victorian Palm Houses and 1960’s public and research Glasshouses on its Edinburgh site require substantial restoration and refurbishment. Without urgent action, they would become unsafe and unsound by 2025, putting at risk the priceless Living Collection of 34,000+ plants they house.
With planning permission now secured, the organisation can start the journey towards visionary world-leading facilities to protect and extend its national and international work for generations to come.
Planned to take shape through a progression of stages over seven years, the Edinburgh Biomes project will include new research facilities dedicated to combating the increasing numbers of plant pathogens damaging the environment, commerce and gardens big and small. There will be new education facilities to engage with students from primary school through to PhD, locally and around the world. Central to these improvements will be an efficient, cost-effective energy centre, significantly reducing the Garden’s carbon emissions.
Regius Keeper Simon Milne MBE, said: “As a world-leading botanic garden responding to the climate emergency and the associated alarming loss of biodiversity, we recognise this is an essential, urgent and exciting project of national and international significance, bringing great benefits to society. It is a necessity to avoid the catastrophic loss of up to four thousand species in our collection.
“The planning decision enables us to move forward with what is the most significant project in the Garden’s history. The need for our pioneering work has never been greater, be it through cutting-edge science, impactful education or inspiring people with the beauty and value of natural capital.
“Edinburgh Biomes is crucial to achieve this and the project needs the widest possible support if we are to secure our place as a leader in plant science and education, horticulture and ensure the astonishing Living Collection thrives for future generations. Edinburgh Biomes will engage people of all backgrounds and nationalities, inspiring them to be part of the protection of plant life that sustains and delights us.”
