GROWING reasons to visit historic gardens

RUTH MILLINGTON REPORTS ON BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS' BUSY CALENDAR OF EVENTS THIS SUMMER

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ON another scorching heatwave morning, I walked one mile out of Birmingham city centre to spend time among beautiful plant life: palms and tree ferns, The Dutchman’s Pipe, Prickly Pear and Elephant's Foot Yam. These are among the thousands of species growing at Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

Open to the public since 1832, the gardens were originally intended to provide a peaceful and aesthetic escape from the effects of the industrial revolution, as well as a place for botanical study. Today, the green space remains largely unchanged, although repairs and restoration are urgently needed on the historic glasshouses and wider infrastructure.

Thankfully, a vital and generous grant of £9million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund will go towards Growing Our Green Heritage, a landmark project to save the gardens for future generations.

Taking a sustainable approach, visitor amenities will be modernised and expanded using natural materials, inviting public audiences to access horticulture, heritage and education.

There are huge benefits to spending time in nature, which is linked to lowering stress and boosting mood. I always feel rejuvenated after an hour or so in the gardens, particularly on a hot day.

As global temperatures rise, Birmingham’s uniquely beautiful green space will become increasingly more important for city-dwellers who seek shade, rest and recreation.

When I spoke with chief executive Sara Blair-Manning, she explained: “Our aim is to widen access to the city’s ‘back garden’, which should retain a certain Birmingham quirkiness. We are taking a creative, people-centred approach for our super diverse city.”