The History of Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens is a world-famous botanical garden located in southwest London. It consists of over 300 acres of gardens and greenhouses, and it attracts millions of visitors every year. The history of Kew Gardens dates back to the early 18th century when it was a private estate owned by a wealthy merchant named Sir Richard Levett.
In 1759, Princess Augusta, the mother of King George III, leased the estate and turned it into a botanical garden. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, were officially founded in 1840 when the British government purchased the estate to ensure its continuation as a public garden.
The Governance of Kew Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, is a non-departmental public body (NDPB) funded by the UK government’s Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). It operates under the National Heritage Act 1983, which sets out its objectives and powers.
Kew Gardens is governed by a Board of Trustees appointed by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs. The Board is responsible for the strategic direction of Kew Gardens and oversees its management and operation.
The Mission of Kew Gardens
The mission of Kew Gardens is to inspire and deliver science-based plant conservation worldwide, enhancing the quality of life. Kew Gardens is dedicated to discovering, documenting, and conserving the world’s plant and fungal diversity.
Kew Gardens is home to the largest and most diverse botanical and mycological collections in the world. Its collections include over 8 million plant and fungal specimens, 30,000 living plants, and over 40,000 species of fungi.
The Importance of Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens plays a vital role in plant conservation and research. Its collections and expertise are essential for understanding plant diversity, identifying threats to plant life, and developing strategies to protect endangered plant species.
Kew Gardens is also a leading center for botanical research, with a focus on understanding the relationships between plants and their environments, the evolution of plant diversity, and the use of plants for human benefit.
The Future of Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens faces many challenges in the future, including climate change, habitat loss, and the extinction of plant species. However, Kew Gardens is committed to continuing its mission of plant conservation and research.
In recent years, Kew Gardens has expanded its research and conservation efforts, partnering with organizations around the world to protect endangered plant species and habitats. Kew Gardens is also working to improve public access to its collections and facilities, making it a more inclusive and accessible resource for all.
Some Interesting Facts About Kew Gardens
- Kew Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Kew Gardens has over 80 staffed buildings, including several historic glasshouses.
- The iconic Palm House at Kew Gardens is over 160 years old and contains over 16,000 panes of glass.
- Kew Gardens is home to the world’s largest collection of living plants.
- Kew Gardens has been used as a filming location for several movies, including James Bond’s “A View to a Kill.”