In the world of conservation, there’s a lot of emphasis put on the survival of endangered animals. The idea of an entire species being wiped off the planet forever because of the actions of humans makes most people feel an impotent meld of despair and anger. But, of course, animals are not the only living things at risk from the destructive nature of humans. Hundreds of plant species have been made extinct in the past few centuries and thousands more are at risk
The idea of a world where plant species are disappearing is hard to imagine when visiting Kew Gardens, in southwest London.
Kew is London's largest UNESCO World Heritage site offering unique landscapes, vistas and iconic architecture from every stage of the Gardens' history. Since, it was founded in 1759 by Princess Augusta, today Kew has the largest, most diverse collections of living and preserved botanical specimens in the world. The landscape contains a great scientific collection of over 14,000 trees, including rare and ancient varieties. Kew also grows over 30,000 different kinds of plants from tropical, temperate, arid and alpine climates, many of which have a high conservation status.
These collections provide a living reference library for our scientists, and a dynamic landscape in which to display the beauty and wonder of this diverse natural kingdom on which all life depends.
- Plant houses : Palm house, Alpine house, Waterlily house etc.
- Ornamental buildings : Pagoda, Minka House etc
- Xstrata Treetop Walkway