Teaching and research in gardens can include botanical and conservation research, public engagement with science, working with schools and community groups and hosting and running continuing education courses. Increasingly gardens are seen as accessible venues to engage local communities and visitors with citizen science projects, public health and social issues. They also offer protected spaces for field research in a range of disciplines.
This day was an opportunity to share ideas and experiences and hear about a range of teaching and research currently happening across a broad range of gardens and organisations. Through this training day and networking we hope you will be encouraged to develop ideas for new activities and partnerships in your gardens.
The day also included a tour of the University of Leicester Botanic Garden.
Research at the University of Leicester Botanic Garden
Dr Richard Gornall Director of Botanic Garden & Curator of the Herbarium, University of Leicester Botanic Garden
Engaging with a wider education network – beyond school visits
Ruth Godfrey Education Officer University of Leicester Botanic Garden
Offering RHS qualifications in the garden – benefits of becoming an approved centre
Philip Windle, Head of Qualifications Standards and Compliance, Royal Horticultural Society
Observatree, an early warning system for tree health
Dr Kate Lewthwaite Citizen Science Manager, Woodland Trust
Plant Identification classes – engaging with the local botanical community
Louise Marsh Publicity and Outreach Officer Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI)
Teaching and Research in Garden Training Day programme and resources booklet
Teaching and Research in Garden Training Day programme and resources booklet 2015 University of Leicester Botanic Garden
(Adobe PDF document)