A garden is inviting visitors of all ages to explore the wonders of science.
Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden, is marking British Science Week from 6 to 15 March with a packed programme of tours, hands-on exhibits, and family-friendly outdoor activities.
Visitors are invited to take part in Wakehurst’s Trees for Bees project, a citizen science scheme helping researchers track which trees attract the most pollinators.
Using a simple guide and smartphone app, visitors can count pollinators on selected trees, with the data sent directly to scientists.
This year’s trail includes 14 new trees, such as Chinese Osmanthus and Japanese Whitebeam.
Eliana Van Der Schraft, citizen science research lead at Kew, said: “Our Trees for Bees trail brings science to the forefront of the visitors’ experience, as an accessible way for everyone to contribute directly to scientific research.”
The Elizabethan Mansion on site also houses a new exhibition space where visitors can learn about the early days of the Millennium Seed Bank and the people who helped build the world’s largest collection of wild seeds.
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Children can try out seed banking at the interactive Bank a Seed exhibit in the Seed Bank Atrium.
Free guided tours of the Seed Bank Atrium take place every Monday at 2pm, giving visitors a behind-the-scenes look at how seeds are preserved for the future.
As part of its commitment to accessibility, Wakehurst’s Community and Access Programmes provide free garden entry and priority access to events for groups facing sensory, physical, financial, or social barriers.
This includes activities like the Crafting for Connection arts club, which will create a nature-inspired mandala in Pearcelands Wood during the week.
The site will also host the Mid Sussex Eco-Forum on 10 March, bringing together regional conservation leaders and organisations.
Ten school groups will take part in science activities during the week, covering plant dissection, seed dispersal, and fieldwork.
Julie Whelan, learning manager at Wakehurst, said: “The core values of British Science Week underpin everything we do here at Wakehurst, with every tour, workshop and habitat offering new ways to connect with the natural world.”
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