Written evidence submitted by Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI)

 

DCMS Committee inquiry on how gardens contribute to UK tourism, the economy and to our national heritage.

  1. This submission is made on behalf of Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI). BGCI is an independent UK charity which aims to unite botanic gardens and other organisations committed to saving the world’s threatened plants. BGCI’s membership includes over 500 botanic garden in almost 100 countries worldwide. Our work helps gardens connect with each other and these links can generate huge, positive change for individuals, gardens and local communities.
  2. In response to your inquiry, we would like to draw your attention to a review that BGCI carried out in 2018.   This review looked at the economic, social and environmental impacts of botanic gardens and we believe that some of the case studies (drawn from botanic gardens across the world, including the UK) are relevant to the inquiry.  The following points are taken from the review, which can be downloaded here: https://www.bgci.org/files/IAC/IAC%202018/TechReportLowRes.pdf

What contribution do gardens and garden design make to domestic and international tourism?

  1. It is estimated that the world’s botanic gardens attract at least 500 million visitors per year.  Many of these visitors come from outside the local region, and they often have high disposable incomes which they spend in local hotels and restaurants.  A study on Greater Philadelphia Gardens (GPG) in the US revealed that approximately $37 million was spent annually by garden visitors on services outside the GPG member gardens.
  2. Botanic gardens make a direct contribution to local economies through the employment of staff and the purchase of goods and services. For example, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh spends £11.23 million per year on staff salaries, procurement of goods and services from suppliers, and other items. Over 99% of this expenditure is spent within Scotland, therefore directly benefiting the Scottish economy.
  3. Botanic gardens, like museums, often house culturally significant collections, including native plants, artefacts and works of art. They may also feature historic or culturally important buildings. For example, the Lyon Arboretum in Hawai’i participates in a programme called Welina Mānoa to engage primary schools with Hawaiian culture and environmental education. The arboretum has developed a native species trail and associated resources to teach children about native species and their cultural significance.
  4. Botanic gardens are often regarded as cultural assets that stimulate local and national pride – even in people who do not actually visit the garden. For example, the total gross ‘non-use’ and ‘option’ value of RBG Kew was estimated in 2016 by asking 1,199 people (35% of whom had visited RBG Kew) whether funding for RBG Kew should be retained at current levels, increased or decreased. Sixty percent of respondents said that funding levels should be retained at current levels, 34% said it should be increased and 5% said that funding levels should be decreased.

 

How can garden design and landscaping best support community spaces and community connections?

 

  1. Humans are an increasingly urban species, disconnected from nature, and with children subject to so-called ‘nature deficit’ childhoods. In the case of plants, ‘plant blindness’ can be a symptom of this disconnect and, given the vital importance of plants to our lives, society can’t afford for citizens to see nothing.  Botanic gardens can stimulate discussion and thought about man’s relationship with the environment and nature, and the things that it provides us with (food, medicines, shelter etc.).
  2. In many cases, the green environment and ‘hands on’ opportunities provided by botanic gardens result in the most tangible impacts on learners, including benefits that go beyond gaining new knowledge. For example, there is increasing evidence that children’s cognitive development is improved in green spaces and that working with plants can lead to improved self-esteem and behaviour. 
  3. There is a growing body of evidence that green spaces are regarded as ‘safe’ places by vulnerable people – and such spaces have a positive impact on mental health and stimulate creativity and learning.  BGCI’s review highlights a number of studies that have been undertaken, demonstrating the positive results achieved by Nature-based therapy courses and other gardening activities at botanic gardens.
  4. Many botanic gardens, particularly those managed by municipalities, have a role in the establishment and management of urban green spaces and planting. For example, the National Botanical Garden of Georgia carries out tree assessments for all new developments in the city of Tbilisi as part of the municipality’s planning process. The assessment includes preservation orders on trees of conservation or cultural significance and a risk assessment for trees that are old or diseased and may need to be removed.
  5. Similarly, The Morton Arboretum in the USA has developed several resources to support urban tree planting and management. One such example is the Community Trees Program (www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/community-trees-program), a resource that advocates for trees in 274 communities to help municipalities, organizations, professionals, and others effectively manage and care for the urban forest. Another example of these resources is The Woodland Stewardship Program (www.mortonarb.org/learn-experience/adults/conservation-and-restoration/woodland-stewardship-program) a training program for citizen-volunteers to gain knowledge and experience in natural areas restoration in their communities; 800 people have completed the program.
  6. The Edible Gardening Project based at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh shares horticultural knowledge, skills and enthusiasm for growing food with diverse communities. The Demonstration Garden at RBGE is maintained by a team of community gardeners and dedicated volunteers and it provides a space where local community groups are able to look after their own vegetable plots. They attend on a weekly basis to get hands on growing experience and learn horticultural skills with one of the community gardeners. The project also runs a range of free workshops and ‘meet the gardener’ sessions to community garden groups and individuals.
  7. Many botanic gardens are involved in local community projects.  Examples of how some botanic gardens in the UK have been working with BGCI to develop their ‘social role’ are provided on the BGCI website:
    http://www.bgci.org/public-engagement/communities_in_nature/  
  8. Participants in the pilot ‘Communities in Nature’ projects reported a range of benefits, including increased confidence through working with people from a diverse range of backgrounds, the acquisition of new skills, greater connection with nature and the seasons. Projects also encouraged community cohesion and urban greening initiatives. 
  9. Finally, in relation to community benefits, studies have shown that the prices of properties in the vicinity of gardens and protected green spaces increase – not only benefitting local residents, but also resulting in increased property taxes for local governments.

 

May 2019