Ancient Tradition Spanning 500 Years, Housing 2.4 Billion Seeds, Over 500 Acres of Botanical Wonders, and Innovative Scientists Pioneering Our Survival Efforts
Welcome to Wakehurst, an enchanting estate nestled in the heart of West Sussex, England. Managed by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (RBG Kew) since the '60s, this former 16th-century mansion is now host to the Millennium Seed Bank – a global seed conservation powerhouse.
A rich history stretches back to the medieval period for Wakehurst, eventually passing into the hands of the National Trust in the late '60s. After a brief tenure by philanthropist Sir Henry Price, who contributed significantly to its gardening legacy, the estate was leased to RBG Kew for 99 years[1][4]. Today, Wakehurst is more than just a beautiful botanical paradise – it's a stronghold for conservation and research.
2000 marked a turning point with the establishment of the Millennium Seed Bank. This ever-growing treasury of seeds from over 40,000 species and 275 international collaborators ensures the protection of plant diversity amidst biodiversity loss and climate change[3]. The bank's vaccine for plant extinction is a vital component of Kew's extensive research and conservation efforts.
While The Mansion itself may have undergone recent renovations, remaining a hub for administrative work and conservation, RBG Kew has made a point to open up significant rooms for public exploration, including a late-Victorian chapel and splendid library[4]. The estate's beautifully managed horticultural plantings – extending over 500 acres – are a testament to Wakehurst's reputation for excellence.
It's not just about admiring the flowers, though. Wakehurst is working hard to adapt to climate change while nurturing plant species that may thrive in future climates. Projects in progress include the creation of an experimental North American prairie testing 130 American plants' drought resistance and the testing of subalpine meadow mixes from Georgia and Armenia for suitability in the British climate[4].
Educating the public on these conservation efforts and the importance of preserving plant life for future generations is paramount. RBG Kew offers engaging educational programs and tours at both Kew Gardens and Wakehurst, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the magic of the gardens while learning about the challenges facing our planet's ecosystems[5]. Sign up to our platform newsletter for updates on these events and more!
[1] - wikipedia.org/wiki/Wakehurst
[2] - webarchive.org.uk/wayback/archive/20120105132658/http://www.kew.org/our-sciences/rbs-discoveries/1994/a-new-home-for-the-millennium-seed-bank
[3] - kew.org/wakehurst
[4] - kew.org/wakehurst/news-and-events/revealing-parts-of-wakehurst-estate-to-the-public
[5] - kew.org/welcome-kew/school-groups-and-students/school-trips-and-workshops
Charles Quest-Ritson is a distinguished historian and garden aficionado. Author of books such as The English Garden: A Social History and Ninfa: The Most Romantic Garden in the World, he shares his passionate love for roses and food in his numerous publications[6]. This multitalented intellectual has lectured across five languages on five continents, with Antarctica being the only continent to miss out on his captivating presentations!
[6] - hugotrubartpent.com/author/charles-quest-ritson
Enrichment Data:
Mansion Reroofing and Reopening
During the reopening of The Mansion, staff was temporarily relocated to portacabins to facilitate a major roofing project. Given the closure of the original quarry source for the Horsham slates, work required careful analysis of each individual slate, determining their reusability, and reconstruction according to a multi-million-pound budget[2].
The English Garden: A Social History
Written by Charles Quest-Ritson, this book sheds light on the cultural and social aspects of gardening throughout the ages in England[6].
Ninfa: The Most Romantic Garden in the World
A moving account by Charles Quest-Ritson about the eerie beauty of Italy's Ninfa garden, which was abandoned in the late '20s and transformed into a wild, thriving bouquet of flowers and trees[6].
- Charles Quest-Ritson, a renowned historian and garden enthusiast, has authored several books, including 'The English Garden: A Social History', which explores the cultural and social aspects of gardening in England.
- Quest-Ritson, a polyglot with a captivating presence, has delivered lectures on five continents, except Antarctica, about the world of roses, food, and other interesting topics.
- During the reopening of Wakehurst's Mansion, staff were temporarily relocated to portacabins to accommodate a major roofing project, involving a multi-million-pound budget and the careful reconstruction of Horsham slates.
- Today, Wakehurst, with its rich history dating back to medieval times, is not only a stunning botanical haven but also a pioneer in environmental-science, focusing on climate-change research, and data-and-cloud-computing, adapting its landscapes to future home-and-garden settings, and nurturing plant species for travel and lifestyle purposes.
