Birmingham Botanical Gardens makes history after 193-years: green jewel recognised among the world’s best


Birmingham Botanical Gardens (BBG) has achieved a historic milestone, receiving official accreditation from Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI).
This prestigious recognition places BBG among just 111 accredited botanic gardens worldwide, highlighting its excellence in plant conservation, environmental education, and public engagement.
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Hide AdBGCI, the world’s largest botanic garden network spanning over 100 countries, awards accreditation to institutions demonstrating outstanding leadership, sustainability, and collections management.
The achievement follows years of strategic development at BBG, including expanding conservation projects, enhancing community programs, and advancing scientific research in collaboration with Birmingham City University.
BBG now hosts festivals, workshops, and guided trails while engaging over 19,000 schoolchildren annually. Key conservation initiatives include wildflower meadow restoration and contributions to the International Conifer Conservation Programme. Sustainability efforts have also been enhanced with new composting facilities and a commitment to peat-free practices.
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Hide AdChief Executive Sara Blair-Manning described the accreditation as a landmark moment, reinforcing BBG’s global role in biodiversity conservation.
The recognition comes as the Gardens embark on the ‘Growing Our Green Heritage’ project to restore historic glasshouses and improve visitor infrastructure.
Home to over 30,000 plants and 10,000 taxa, BBG remains a vital green space in Birmingham, offering a haven of natural and historical significance.
For more information, visit www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk.
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