Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

All life as we know it depends on plants and fungi.

At a time when 40 per cent of the world’s plant species are threatened with extinction, the work of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) has never been more vital in protecting our planet, its people, and animals.

With specialist expertise and resources built over 353 years, four Gardens across Scotland, and collaborative research and conservation programmes around the world, RBGE’s aim is to understand, protect and restore the world’s plant species and ecosystems, providing scientific solutions to safeguard our planet for future generations. 

Recent estimates indicate that 20 per cent of all flowering plant species have yet to be identified and described to science. The kingdom of fungi remains largely unexplored. 

As a people-focused organisation, RBGE’s core activities are diverse, and benefit hundreds of thousands of people here in Scotland through the provision of visitor attractions, education programmes and conservation work. RBGE increases access for wide audiences to horticulture, science, arts, and heritage, whilst working to conserve Scotland's precious natural assets. 

Funding from players provides vital support across activities in science research and conservation, horticulture, education, and public engagement. One valuable project made possible with players’ support is the Edible Garden, in Edinburgh. This is a community-focused project that promotes growing and eating healthy food, with a team of volunteers who provide support and mentoring for people to grow their own vegetables and fruits but lack basic horticultural skills. The Demonstration Garden at the Botanics has been transformed into a number of vegetable plots and fruit-growing areas for practical gardening experience, social activities and opportunities to share the produce. 

For more information, visit the website http://www.rbge.org.uk.