The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (RBG Kew) charity has launched a record public appeal to raise £1m towards the renovation of its historic Victorian glasshouse.
Palm House, which has stood at the heart of Kew Gardens in London since 1848, is one of the world’s most famous glasshouses. But after almost 180 years exposed to extreme heat and humidity, it now faces an urgent need for major renovation.
After already securing around half of the £66m total project costs, the charity has now launched its largest ever public fundraising appeal in an effort to raise another £1m.
RBG Kew says that the planned renovation will preserve the Palm House’s “extraordinary heritage while bringing this landmark into the 21st century through pioneering sustainable engineering”.
Improvements will include new glazing, a move to renewable heating systems and the integration of rainwater harvesting tanks, with Kew aiming to create the first carbon neutral glasshouse of its kind.
Richard Deverell, director of RBG Kew, said: “For generations, the Palm House has been a place where people encounter the extraordinary diversity of life on Earth. It is a building that has inspired wonder for almost 180 years, but its future cannot be taken for granted.
“We have reached an important milestone, with half of the funding already secured thanks to generous philanthropists, grants and individuals. Now we are asking the public to help us raise the next £1m.
“Every donation, however large or small, will help protect this extraordinary building and the collection within it for generations to come.”
Ways in which the public can help include making a direct donation, sponsoring a pane of glass or sponsoring a tropical plant species. Donations up to £300,000 will be matched.
In July, RBG Kew’s fundraising charity, Foundation and Friends of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (Kew Foundation), transferred more than £20m when it merged into its larger partner organisation.
