- The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, has launched a £1 million public appeal to help fund a £66 million restoration of its deteriorating Palm House.
- Half of the £66 million total has already been secured through grants and philanthropists, with public donations up to £300,000 set to be matched.
- The historic Victorian glasshouse contains an internationally significant collection of tropical plant species, including many that are threatened or extinct in the wild.
- The building will close in autumn 2027 for three to four years of essential works, following an initial plant removal process starting in February.
- Planned improvements include new glazing, renewable heating, and rainwater harvesting tanks to create the first carbon-neutral glasshouse of its kind.
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