Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Birmingham Botanical Gardens CelebratesHistoric International Accreditation
Birmingham Botanical Gardens (BBG) has achieved one of the most significant milestones in its 193-year history by receiving official accreditation from Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI). The accolade positions the Gardens among an elite group of only 111 accredited botanic gardens worldwide, recognising its global leadership in plant conservation, environmental education, and public engagement.
BGCI is the world’s largest network of botanic gardens, spanning over 100 countries, with a mission to safeguard plant diversity for the benefit of people and the planet. Accreditation from BGCI is a testament to BBG’s exceptional standards in leadership, horticulture, collections management, sustainability, and community outreach. This recognition follows years of ambitious projects and strategic developments at BBG, cementing its impact both locally and internationally.
Highlights include cataloguing thousands of plant accessions with global accessibility via its website, partnering with Birmingham City University for scientific research, and expanding year-round community programming. The Gardens now host festivals, creative workshops, guided trails, and talks, while engaging over 19,000 schoolchildren annually through its education programme.
Key conservation projects include planting wildflower meadows and contributing to the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh’s International Conifer Conservation Programme, which protects endangered species. Sustainability efforts have also been bolstered, including new composting facilities, implementing a ‘route to peat-free’ policy, and increasing locally sourced products in the Gardens Shop.
Chief Executive Sara Blair-Manning hailed the achievement as a landmark moment: “This BGCI accreditation is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our team at Birmingham Botanical Gardens. It recognises our historic contributions to plant conservation and also energises our vision for the future.
“As we embark on our transformational ‘Growing Our Green Heritage’ project to restore our historic glasshouses, safeguard our Living Collection, improve visitor infrastructure and access, and promote the value of green spaces, this recognition strengthens our role as a global leader in biodiversity conservation,” she added.
Home to over 30,000 plants and 10,000 taxa, including collections within four Victorian glasshouses and stunning outdoor landscapes, Birmingham Botanical Gardens remains a treasured ‘green heart’ of the city, offering a unique haven of natural and historic significance.
For more information, visit www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk.