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Botanical Gardens

Latest news from the Botanics is that the bird collection is to be rehoused in specialist bird collections. The Botanical Gardens will focus upon horticulture. The move brings to an end a long history of exhibiting animals and birds there, but I can understand that times have changed. There will still be a few weeks to see the birds before departure.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0kdx7022lyo?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
 
I am just surprised that they do not know which plants are on the site. I would have thought all responsible similar sites would be aware already. The statement as to the possible medical uses of plants there is somewhat late. The Chelsea Physic Garden, which I visited some years ago, was established for medical purposes in the 1670s. Would be interested in knowing what is proposed in the "redevelopment" mentioned. I hope it will in future not concentrate on moneymaking corporate events, while selling off small portions for development . I note the aviary was only established in the 1990s
 
mikejee said:
I am just surprised that they do not know which plants are on the site. I would have thought all responsible similar sites would be aware already. The statement as to the possible medical uses of plants there is somewhat late. The Chelsea Physic Garden, which I visited some years ago, was established for medical purposes in the 1670s. Would be interested in knowing what is proposed in the "redevelopment" mentioned. I hope it will in future not concentrate on moneymaking corporate events, while selling off small portions for development . I note the aviary was only established in the 1990s
Click to expand...
The 'new' aviary was indeed only built in the 1990s, but I remember talking mynah birds, parrots, cockatoos and finches in cages facing the terrace. I seem to remember a pair of young foxes by the rose garden? But compared to specialist sites for breeding and conservation, such as Slimbridge and Paradise Park in Hayle, the Botanical Gardens would struggle to meet contemporary zoo standards. The new management are horticulturalists.
www.bbc.co.uk

Birmingham Botanical Gardens to list thousands of plants in collection

A "plant audit" is under way at the attraction, with a view to a range of applications.
www.bbc.co.uk
 
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m00244xf
'Gardeners' Question Time' from Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Some snippets about the history and present development there. A place full of happy memories for me.
The plant collector Ernest Henry Wilson trained as an apprentice there age 16, before moving to Kew. He has a blue plaque at the gardens and introduced many Asian species to British cultivation.
 
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