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About Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Birmingham Botanical Gardens is the ‘green heart’ of Birmingham, offering a uniquely bio-diverse natural environment. This 15-acre Grade II* listed landscape is one of the UK’s most significant historic Botanic Gardens which has remained remarkably intact since 1829. The Gardens has a diverse tapestry of over 30,000 plants, hosting the largest collection of plants in the Midlands.
BBG opened to the public in 1832 and is one of the UK’s most significant historic Botanic Gardens, located near Birmingham city centre. For two centuries BBG has been an integral part of Birmingham’s physical and cultural landscape, conserving JC Loudon’s original Garden landscape design and living collection of 10,000 taxa (30,000 plants), sharing the scientific riches and wonders of botanical life with the community. Loudon was a pioneer of gardening education and public urban green spaces. Internationally Accredited, (BGCI) BBG cares for plants of unique scientific value, some rare and now critically endangered in the wild, a biodiversity of plant life unparalleled in central England. BBG’s mission is to support plant biodiversity and an understanding of its importance to the natural environment through conservation, education, engagement, and enjoyment.
With £2m turnover, BBG receives no public subsidy but generates income from visitors, trading, and fundraising. The Senior Leadership Team oversees 36 FTE staff, and a team of over 70 volunteers.
Visitors are invited to explore a splendid array of horticultural treasures spread across the gardens. Four Victorian Glasshouses—Tropical, Subtropical, Arid, and Mediterranean, offer an immersive experience, while the outdoor landscape presents wonders including two Alpine Gardens, the Japanese Garden housing an extensive Bonsai Collection, a serene Pinetum, an Adventure Playground for families, and a picturesque rolling lawn overlooking the original bandstand.
The Gardens host an award-winning educational programme and in 2023 welcomed over 20,000 students, of all ages, engaging in an enriching learning experience set within the captivating Glasshouses and Gardens.
Throughout the seasons, the Gardens come alive with a diverse programme of events, welcoming visitors to partake in seasonal walks, workshops, and a variety of activities suitable for all ages.
For more information please visit: https://birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk
