Historic Botanic glasshouses set to be restored as part of £70m project
glasshouses dating from 1670 will be restored at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh in a bid to safeguard 4,000 plant species.
Clearing work is back under way at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) as part of the £70m Edinburgh Biomes project. The initiative aims to offer accommodation for the 4,000 plant species being moved for the refurbishment of the 350-year-old public and research glasshouses.
The deteriorating A-listed heritage glasshouses, dating back to 1670, are in desperate need of upgrading and their refurbishment will avoid the loss of plant species central to research work in more than 35 countries.
The RBGE’S Victorian Palm Houses and the 1960’s “front-range” and research glasshouses require extensive refurbishment. Work to the old glasshouses, which would’ve been deemed unsafe by 2025, will involve replacing heating and power systems with energy-efficient installations.
Boasted as the “most significant project in the garden’s history”, Edinburgh Biomes will help support conservation and provide education surrounding climate change.
RBGE expects to create around 100 jobs each year, as well as apprenticeships, and provide opportunities for local people, graduates, long-term unemployed and people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Simon Milne MBE, regius keeper at RBGE, said: “Amidst the many personal, social and economic tragedies and challenges of the last few months, there is heightened awareness of interdependencies between human and environmental health, social justice, sustainable development and economhistoric ic recovery. The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a force for global change and, in the Edinburgh Biomes initiative, we can bring real benefits to people living and working in Scotland right now by ensuring this project is both ambitious and inclusive.
“Our future is dedicated to 350 more years and beyond, helping protect lives and economies by underpinning the need to protect the environment.”