‘Sad moments ahead’: Kew Gardens to fell rare trees in race to save Victorian greenhouse
Summary
Kew Gardens in London is preparing to renovate its old Victorian glasshouse called the Palm House. To do this, some large, rare trees must be cut down, while many plants are being moved to a temporary nursery and new plants grown from seeds to keep the collection alive.Key Facts
- The Palm House is a large Victorian-era glass greenhouse with over 1,000 plants, including some critically endangered species.
- The structure’s ironwork is rusted, and many glass panes are damaged, making it hard to keep the right conditions for plants.
- Renovation is planned to start in 2027, but only if enough funds are raised.
- Giant palm trees inside the Palm House are too big to move and will be cut down.
- Plants are being moved to a tropical nursery to adjust before returning to the renovated house.
- Scientists are collecting seeds and cuttings to grow new plants and help conserve endangered species.
- Kew found a wild population of a rare tree species, Ravenea Moorei, during a recent expedition and is helping protect it.
- Specialist movers are helping relocate delicate plants like the Eastern Cape giant cycad, which has been at Kew since 1775.
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