ENQUIRIES are underway after a van driver fled the scene after overturning his vehicle. A spokesperson for Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service said: “At 03:46 on May 5, we were mobilised to a single vehicle road traffic collision on the A39 near St Kew Highway. A small van was located on it’s side with the driver absconding prior to our arrival. The vehicle was made safe and a fuel spill was dealt with.” A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police added: “Emergency services were called at around 3.35am to the A39 at St Kew Highway, following a single vehicle collision. “The driver had left the scene prior to our arrival and enquiries are ongoing to check on their welfare. “The car has since been recovered and debris cleared.” Comments Tel: 01566 778213[email protected]Follow us Further Links Owned or licensed to Tindle Newspapers Ltd | Independent Family-Owned Newspapers | Copyright & Trade Mark Notice & 2013 - 2025 Experiential artist collective Marshmallow Laser Feast has created Of the Oak Kew’s first ever outdoor digital art commission The six-metre interactive video installation celebrates the oak tree as a hub of biodiversity by showcasing the inner workings of the Lucombe oak and highlighting the web of 2,300 species sustained in its ecosystem using real-world data captured by Kew’s scientists and horticulturalists The piece takes you on a sensory journey through the oak’s transformation across the seasons where you can impact its motions on screen by moving in front of it synchronise your breathing with its rhythms through a guided meditation and see the way it sequesters carbon dioxide and releases oxygen You’ll also be able to find out the more about the future of trees and how Kew is working to protect them as part of the experience Richmond Council is pleased to announce that major repair works on the Thames towpath between Richmond Lock and Kew Gardens car park (Ferry Lane) commenced this week as part of the Council’s planned programme of works The towpath has remained closed since 19 October 2024 following the structural collapse of a section of the pathway the Council has undertaken extensive preparatory work to ensure the safe and effective reinstatement of this much-used route Initial emergency measures included closing the affected section and installing scour protection to prevent further damage from tidal flow A specialist marine design team was appointed and detailed site investigations and surveys were carried out to inform a robust reinstatement plan the Council worked closely with key partners to secure the necessary permissions to begin works – including the Port of London Authority Chair of the Transport and Air Quality Committee said the repairs mark a major step forward in reinstating an important local route “This stretch of towpath is a valued route for many in our community – both for leisure and for active travel – and we know its closure has been frustrating for many We’re pleased that permanent repair works are now underway and progressing on schedule “Large engineering projects like this can sometimes face unavoidable delays the Council and partners have worked incredibly hard to keep things on track "We said we’d aim to be on site and underway by April — and here we are Works are expected to be completed in summer 2025 While the focus is on reinstating the collapsed section the Council will also be incorporating ecological and safety improvements where possible Improving and maintaining the towpath across Richmond upon Thames remains a priority the Council appointed consultants to develop a comprehensive Towpath Improvement and Management Plan for the entire borough Sign up to our mailing list to receive the latest information about these works Up to: April 2025 © London Borough of Richmond upon Thames Art collective Marshmallow Laser Feast has designed Of the Oak a 6m-high LED portal which takes visitors on a 12-minute sensory journey exploring oak trees’ vital role in natural ecosystems is hosting an interactive video installation inspired by one of the world’s grandest oak trees experiential artist collective Marshmallow Laser Feast’s Of the Oak installation marks Kew’s first outdoor digital art commission The 12-minute installation will take visitors on a visual and auditory journey using real-world data to unveil the hidden interplay of oxygen and carbon dioxide within the Lucombe Oak it will take viewers into the tree's experience of the four seasons revealing the usually unseen processes that take place in its bark and in the soil to sustain the tree Visitors can actively impact the motions of the oak on screen by moving in front of it while online guided breathing meditation sessions will allow audiences to synchronise their breathing with the rhythms of the oak Of the Oak's online field guide will serve as a gateway to the vast web of relationships sustained by Kew's oak trees By scanning QR codes placed throughout the gardens visitors can explore an intricate living network and learn how the ancient trees support thousands of species Marshmallow Laser Feast collaborated with scientists and horticulturists at Kew using LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) scanning to create a 3D model of the tree as well as high-resolution photogrammetry and CT scanning to capture intricate details of branches and leaves Ground-penetrating radar was deployed to map the Lucombe Oak's root system head of visitor programmes and exhibitions at Kew said: “Working with artist collective Marshmallow Laser Feast on this unique project science and horticultural ingenuity to create an extraordinary and innovative interactive portrait of Kew’s remarkable Lucombe Oak marking Kew’s first-ever outdoor digital commission will invite visitors to reflect on the delicate connections between the trees that sustain us and the future which we are shaping together through a constantly shifting world.” Sign up for regular updates and get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox You can manage your subscriptions just select the ones you want to receive Sign in or Register a new account to join the discussion history and gardening this September with In Conversation at Kew Gardens 2025 – book your tickets now Enjoy big conversations in beautiful surroundings in this unique three-day series of events set against the magnificent backdrop of Kew Gardens In Conversation at Kew Gardens features behind-the-scenes stories and unforgettable TV moments – all brought to life by a stellar line-up of experts and entertainers Bring a picnic and be entertained with a fascinating performance packed with culture and amusement Read on to find out who's taking to the stage for each session Richard Osman joins Radio Times’ Editorial Director Tom Loxley and the magazine’s columnist and podcast host Caroline Frost to talk about his life and career as a presenter to his career as the brains behind such hit game shows as 8 Out of 10 Cats and Richard Osman’s House of Games Richard will relive the highlights of his long and varied television career For the second half of the session Tom and Caroline will interview Richard about his successful career as a novelist specifically his hugely successful Thursday Murder Club series of crime novels the inspiration behind the series and Richard’s life in books in general – the books he loves to read and write – as well as what it takes to get away with murder (in the pages of a book) Session two: Thursday 4 September, 4pm (doors) are introduced to the Radio Times stage to talk to Tom Loxley about TV their relationship both on and off screen and what makes the perfect quiz show For the second half of the session Richard and Alexander will recreate their quiz show magic as they bring the Best Quiz Ever live to the stage You and your friends can join in the fun as Richard and Alexander introduce fiendish brain teasers puzzles and all-round general knowledge quizzing Bring your quizzing A-game and prepare to have your wits tested In Conversation at Kew Gardens brings together the much-loved voices from Radio Times HistoryExtra and BBC Gardeners’ World Live for three days of stories quizzes and TV icons – all brought to life by star speakers in the spectacular surroundings of Kew Gardens on 4 – 6 September 2025 HistoryExtra presents Tom Holland and Mary Beard HistoryExtra presents Tom Holland with Mary Beard to explore ancient Rome's rise and fall From Caesar's power grabs to imperial scandals BBC Gardeners' World Live presents Adam Frost and Frances Tophill BBC Gardeners' World presenters Frances Tophill and Adam Frost join host Nicki Chapman for live gardening tips behind-the-scenes TV stories and candid conversations in this fun and practical show Book your tickets now Subscriber 20% ticket offers valid on Adult/Concession Premium and Standard tickets only. Not valid on Kew Member tickets, Child, Groups or with any other offer. Ends 23:59pm on 30 June 2025. Transaction fee applies. In Conversation at Kew Gardens 2025Explore the world of TV Read on to find out who's taking to the stage for each session In Conversation with Richard Osman – Hosted by Tom Loxley and Caroline FrostSession one: Thursday 4 September, 11.30am (doors)Richard Osman joins Radio Times’ Editorial Director Tom Loxley and the magazine’s columnist and podcast host Caroline Frost to talk about his life and career as a presenter to his career as the brains behind such hit game shows as 8 Out of 10 Cats and Richard Osman’s House of Games Session two: Thursday 4 September, 4pm (doors) HistoryExtra presents Tom Holland and Mary Beard HistoryExtra presents Tom Holland with Mary Beard to explore ancient Rome's rise and fall From Caesar's power grabs to imperial scandals BBC Gardeners' World Live presents Adam Frost and Frances Tophill BBC Gardeners' World presenters Frances Tophill and Adam Frost join host Nicki Chapman for live gardening tips Book your tickets now Subscriber 20% ticket offers valid on Adult/Concession Premium and Standard tickets only you are agreeing to site title privacy policy This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Subscribe to RT!Subscribe to Radio Times magazine and get £10 issues for £10! Could your home unlock your dreams?Releasing equity from your home could help give you the retirement you've been dreaming of? Holiday brochuresNeed inspiration of where to go next Request a free brochure and start your journey your new go-to podcast to spice up your weekday mornings with relevant news and behind-the-scenes from Brussels and beyond From the economy to the climate and the EU's role in world affairs this talk show sheds light on European affairs and the issues that impact on our daily lives as Europeans Tune in to understand the ins and outs of European politics Dare to imagine the future with business and tech visionaries Deep dive conversations with business leaders Euronews Tech Talks goes beyond discussions to explore the impact of new technologies on our lives the podcast provides valuable insights into the intersection of technology and society Europe's water is under increasing pressure floods are taking their toll on our drinking water Join us on a journey around Europe to see why protecting ecosystems matters and to discover some of the best water solutions an animated explainer series and live debate - find out why Water Matters We give you the latest climate facts from the world’s leading source analyse the trends and explain how our planet is changing We meet the experts on the front line of climate change who explore new strategies to mitigate and adapt now lives on as Of the Oak — a six-metre-tall LED installation that presents a 3D model of the tree cycling through the seasons in a 12-minute loop with bursts of pixels animating its surface Created by artist collective Marshmallow Laser Feast the work draws on advanced technologies including LiDAR and ground-penetrating radar used in collaboration with Kew’s scientists The installation stands near where the oak originally grew and will be on show from 2 May to 28 September Coach John Stevens and Head Coach Murray Westren have been mightily pleased with their charges this season Van on its side and engine torn out after major impact Emergency services were called out in the early hours of this morning (5th May) to a serious single-vehicle collision on the A39 near St Kew Highway Wadebridge Community Fire Station confirmed they were mobilised at 3:46am to the scene where they found a small van on its side following what they described as a “significant impact” with the vehicle’s engine found laying on the roadside The driver of the van had absconded before fire crews arrived No information has been released about the driver’s whereabouts at this stage Wadebridge firefighters made the vehicle safe and dealt with a fuel spill at the location Devon & Cornwall Police and Cornwall Council Highways also attended the incident and website in this browser for the next time I comment Follow CornishStuff on Facebook - Like our Facebook page to get the latest news in your feed and join in the discussions in the comments. Click here to give us a like! Follow us on Twitter - For the latest breaking news in Cornwall and the latest stories, click here to follow CornishStuff on X. Follow us on Instagram - We also put the latest news in our Instagram Stories. Click here to follow CornishStuff on Instagram Got A News Story Or Event To Share With Cornwall editor@cornishstuff.com Sign up for the latest daily news in Cornwall from us Privacy Policy – Cookie Policy CornishStuff is owned by and part of Check It Out Ltd © 2024 - 2025 Website Designed in Cornwall by Springer Marketing • All Rights Reserved I’d had a very tough few years after my father died living on the streets and sleeping with one eye open you have to sleep with one eye open in case people try to steal your things so you end up being on alert 24 hours a day The effect of living like that means you often look for distraction and I soon began spending time with other homeless people who were drinking and using drugs My days all began to look the same: trying to stay warm things became really hard – people were getting ill on the street and it felt sometimes as if we had been abandoned I was relocated to a hotel room in Putney during the lockdowns and while I was there I started working with a housing charity I was finally off the streets and I knew that meant I also had to get clean otherwise my place would become a crack den I detoxed, went to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and came across a charity called Shepherd’s Star which helps vulnerable people connect with the local community I needed something to keep me busy and something to look forward to so I signed up for their six-week course to learn some new skills since I wasn’t sure what people would make of me I walked through the gates and immediately felt as if I was in another world I was taken with the group to the community allotment and met one of the staff who was showing me around the gardens when we passed by a tulip tree the Latin name for the plant came to me: Liriodendron tulipifera My previous life began flooding back to me I remembered how in my first job after leaving college I was a gardener and that my mum had worked in the finance office in Kew more names came to mind and I started to feel calm and safe for the first time in six years Since I had been living day-to-day on the streets I had forgotten my old life because you have no scope to think of anything other than what is in front of you But seeing the majestic 250-year-old tree connected me to my own roots I told Jane what had happened and she encouraged me to come back the following week to help out in the allotment I began to show up every Wednesday to pot plants get rid of weeds and get seedlings ready for the greenhouse and I soon began to really enjoy the act of planting something and seeing it grow knowing it was my care that helped it stay alive I asked if I could become a regular volunteer and it was a great honour to be accepted by Jane and given a Kew uniform to wear my life has changed completely – every week and every other week we work with adults with learning disabilities It’s amazing to see them smile while digging or watering the plants People from all walks of life volunteer alongside me including those who have also been homeless or addicts as well as those with mental health difficulties or family trauma We have formed a close-knit group who all support each other I always told myself that I was down but I wasn’t out; that things would get better I feel so lucky to have found Kew as my therapy and safe space I can see life as it should be now and I just want to take it day by day always trying to be better and to stay fulfilled We use some essential cookies to make this website work We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK remember your settings and improve government services We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports Professor Ian Graham has been reappointed to the board of Royal Botanic Gardens His term will run from 1 May 2025 to 30 April 2028 The reappointment has been made in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details Home   News   Article A coastal town’s 35-year-old weather record has been broken as the UK sets a new high temperature for May 1 The highest temperature previously recorded in the United Kingdom on this day was 27.4 degrees Celsius in Lossiemouth in 1990 that record was beaten when the mercury reached 28 degrees Celsius in Kew Gardens in London today The Met Office said the temperature is “still climbing” and labelled today “officially the warmest start to May on record for the UK” Lossiemouth has reached a peak of 15 degrees Celsius so far today - although it was 21 degrees Celsius on Wednesday This year’s must-see shows range from a Nordic Pavilion exploring transgender spaces to a compelling Lebanese project confronting the realities of ecocide Frieze returns to The Shed in May with more than 65 of the world’s leading contemporary art galleries and the acclaimed Focus section led by Lumi Tan Of the Oak by Marshmallow Laser Feast (c) Marshmallow Laser Feast Get in touch for more information Become a Member to RSVP Frieze 91 Members are invited to an exclusive artist-led tour of Of the Oak a groundbreaking digital installation by experiential artist collective Marshmallow Laser Feast marking Kew Gardens’ first-ever outdoor digital art commission Blending cutting-edge scientific research with immersive storytelling this monumental work offers a unique perspective on one of Kew’s most remarkable trees Members are welcome to stay and enjoy the rest of the day at Kew after the tour Of the Oak reveals the hidden life of the ancient Lucombe oak one of the oldest and most significant trees at Kew the tree was moved in 1845 by landscape designer William Nesfield to better suit the landscape’s design Through advanced technologies - LiDAR scanning and Ground Penetrating Radar - the installation visualises the tree’s internal processes from nutrient absorption and water flow to carbon sequestration and its role in supporting over 2,000 species Marshmallow Laser Feast is celebrated for its innovative approach to storytelling and technology to unveil the unseen connections in the natural world led by artist and MLF director Ersin Han Ersin offers an exclusive insight into the creative and scientific process behind this pioneering project.  Kew is a world-famous scientific organisation internationally respected for its outstanding collections and scientific expertise in plant and fungal diversity and sustainable development in the UK and around the globe Kew’s scientists and partners lead the way in the fight against biodiversity loss and finding nature-based solutions to the climate crisis aided by five key scientific priorities outlined in Kew’s Science Strategy 2021-2025 Kew Gardens is also a major international and top London visitor attraction Kew’s Wild Botanic Garden and ‘living laboratory’ attract over 2.5 million visits every year Kew Gardens was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2003 and celebrated its 260th anniversary in 2019 Wakehurst is home to the Millennium Seed Bank the largest wild plant seed bank in the world and a safeguard against the disastrous effects of climate change and biodiversity loss Marshmallow Laser Feast (MLF) is an experiential artist collective They believe in the power of stories to tickle senses and shift perceptions Their work takes people on a multisensory journey to where imagination and information collide MLF collaborate with specialists in all disciplines interrogate our relationship with the world around us and leave a glittery slug trail as we journey through the cosmos explore and expand our relationship with the living world MLF has exhibited internationally at institutions including; ACMI Their work has been featured in renowned publications such as; the Guardian © FRIEZE 2025 Cookie Settings | Do Not Sell My Personal Information Come along to St Luke's Church in Kew on Saturday 22 March This award-winning event for the whole family aims to bring together the community to inspire action on climate change. More than 500 people visited in 2023 and the organising team from St Luke's EcoChurch initiative won a Richmond Community Heroes Award for their efforts This year’s EcoFair will again be opened by its patron broadcaster Jeremy Vine London’s Deputy Mayor for the Environment Mete Coban MBE and St Luke’s own Revd Melanie Harrington-Haynes Organisations and businesses in attendance include: Habitats and Heritage London Cycle Workshop and more to be announced For more information, visit the Kew EcoFair website and register your attendance via Eventbrite Up to: March 2025 The Thames towpath between Richmond Lock and Kew Gardens car park on Ferry Lane is still entirely closed This is following the collapse of a section of the towpath on Saturday 19 October We are not the only body with interests and responsibilities in the damaged section we have consciously taken the lead on this very complex project and are convening relevant parties in efforts to deliver solutions as quickly as possible The collapse is likely to have been caused by a combination of factors including the high river levels and high winds on that day our engineers have been working with specialist contractors to investigate this and to explore temporary and permanent solutions Watch Councillor Alexander Ehmann provide the latest towpath updates We have carried out investigations to create a detailed design for permanent works so we can eventually reopen this section of the towpath We have implemented some emergency temporary works to reduce further damage to the towpath We have not been able to identify a viable solution to allow access while permanent repairs are being carried out Permanent works started on 14 April 2025 as per our planned programme of works The diversions already in place will remain for now with fencing still in place at either end of the closure Residents and visitors are asked not to make any attempt to access the towpath You can view a map showing the diversions or find out more about the National Trail diversion route there are no plans to allow temporary or partial access along the closed section for recreational use while works are carried out We are aware that some people have attempted to bypass signage and barriers in order to have a look at the affected area so we have reinforced the safety measures in place to prevent access This project will focus on the reinstatement of the towpath but we will also target ecological and safety improvements where possible Improvement and maintenance of the whole towpath in Richmond upon Thames is a priority for us consultants were appointed in June 2024 to deliver a strategic Towpath Improvement and Management Plan for the entire borough A report on towpath improvement progress was presented to the Transport and Air Quality Committee on 4 November 2024 If you have any questions about these works, email towpath@richmond.gov.uk The Thames towpath between Richmond Lock and Kew Gardens car park on Ferry Lane is still entirely closed following the collapse of a section of the towpath on Saturday 19 October 2024.  We are hopeful that we will be in a position to start the permanent repair works in April You can find out more and sign up for updates Up to: February 2025 The Thames towpath between Richmond Lock and Kew Gardens car park on Ferry Lane is still entirely closed following the collapse of a section of the towpath on Saturday 19 October but we have consciously taken the lead on this very complex project and are convening relevant parties in efforts to deliver solutions as quickly as possible While we are still undertaking ground investigations the collapse is likely to have been caused by a combination of factors including the high river levels and high winds on that day Up to: November 2024 The Thames towpath between Richmond Lock and Kew Gardens car park on Ferry Lane is entirely closed following the collapse of a section of the towpath on Saturday 19 October Fencing has been installed at either end and residents and visitors are asked not to make any attempt to access the towpath You can view a map showing the diversions or find out more about the National Trail diversion route We will spend more time on site in the coming days to continue to assess the situation The priority is to make the site secure and then begin clearing We are also liaising with the Environment Agency National Trail and the Royal Mid Surrey Golf Club to assess solutions and minimise further impact to the public Our engineers will carry out further investigation then design and implement a solution as soon as possible Up to: October 2024 Scotland’s botanic gardens suffer ‘unimaginable’ loss of rare specimens For more than a century, whenever winter came to Scotland, they stood tall against the wind and rain and snow. But last month, battered by Storm Éowyn hundreds of rare and historic trees in the living collection of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh were lost The charity has four sites in Scotland. Its tallest tree in Edinburgh while Benmore Botanic Garden on the west coast has suffered “unimaginable” devastation About 300 trees in Benmore’s 48-hectare (120-acre) mountainside site in Argyll have been destroyed ­including a giant redwood – a 50-metre ­specimen planted in 1863 – that was almost snapped in half At least 50 trees were lost at Dawyck Botanic Garden in the Scottish Borders Photograph: Royal Botanic Garden EdinburghMany of the trees that fell crashed on to other rare and threatened species and Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh estimates that more than 700 plants were damaged during the storm including rare rhododendrons and a treasured collection of star magnolias that came from each of the four places in the world where they still grow in the wild the charity’s 26-hectare site on the Scottish Borders at least 50 trees are known to have been lost during the storm forcing the garden – which is home to some of the oldest and tallest trees in Britain – to remain closed for safety reasons This week, the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew in London is preparing to send a team of four highly skilled arborists to Scotland to help the clean-up operation assess ­damaged trees and remove dangerous hanging branches and fallen trunks from Benmore and Dawyck The charity expects that repairing the “devastating” damage of the storm could cost as much as £1m and has launched a public appeal for donations curator of the ­living collection at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh said: “The scale and the extent of the damage at Benmore – unless you see it – is quite ­unimaginable Knott said Éowyn was the worst storm in living memory to hit Benmore He has no doubt such extreme weather is linked to the ­climate emergency driest and warmest records in the last 15 years.” The longer-term challenge for botanic gardens is how to become more resilient to such extreme weather while continuing to conserve plants in the wild that are endangered by the warming planet Sarah Kirkton and David Gray begin the clear-up at Benmore on the west coast Photograph: Eilidh Cameron/Royal Botanic Garden EdinburghNew trees at Benmore may have to be planted in more sheltered locations and the historic non-native conifers that fell may be replaced with a more resilient native species like sessile oaks which “were quite adept at shedding branches rather than whole trees being blown out” which thrive in southern England but have struggled in Edinburgh “We’re expecting to have a climate quite similar to London by 2050 to 2080.” Tom Fry, arboricultural supervisor at Kew Gardens has also been planting new tree species which will cope with a hotter climate “We recently made a collection trip to Georgia and the Caucasus because their climate aligns with Kew’s predictions about our climate in the future.” Quercus macranthera and field maple were among the species collected for planting at Kew Fry is among the arborists ­heading to Scotland where he is hoping to learn lessons he can bring back to Kew about how to prevent storm damage The London garden’s 11,000 trees were regularly inspected and assessed for structural weaknesses but high winds were becoming more frequent forcing it to close more often than it used to for safety reasons “We’ve had some pretty large ­failures of trees in recent winds – though nothing on the scale of what they’ve had in Scotland So when something as devastating as this happens I feel grateful I’ve got the opportunity to help.” Knott said he was looking forward to the arrival of the Kew arborists and getting to work on repairing the damage “When people rally around you in adversity it gives you resilience and it gives you hope And we need that when we look to the future.” This is the archive of The Observer up until 21/04/2025 The Observer is now owned and operated by Tortoise Media In 2024 horticulturalists made single biggest introduction of rare seeds to collection in the past decade The Codonopsis clematidea smells like a skunk elongated bulb and the Fritillaria imperialis is exceptionally tall But to the horticulturalists who journeyed to remote alpine meadows and forests to find these rare flowers growing in the wild this year they are nothing less than the “jewels of the earth” Now, the seeds from these and hundreds of other wild plants that were collected in Georgia and Kyrgyzstan have entered the living collections at the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew After sending its horticulturalists on plant-collecting expeditions abroad, where they collaborated with local botanists to locate and sustainably harvest native flora, London’s Kew Gardens has managed to add more than 300 seeds for rare wild plants to its living collections this year It is the single biggest introduction of wild plants to Kew’s living collections in the past decade “Having living specimens in the collection is really important,” said Dr Ilia Leitch “Many of the analyses to identify plants with new bioactive compounds that can be used as medicines can only be done on living plants because some chemicals in plants are not particularly stable when you dry them out So living plants enable you to pick up on things you might miss in dried specimens.” A Fritillaria imperialis in bloom one of hundreds of rare plants in Kew Gardens’ collection Photograph: Tom Meaker/AlamyKew’s plant specialists are still working to identify all the different rare species collected in Kyrgyzstan – this process is likely to take years since some plants must be fully grown to be classified As many as 10 to 15 could belong to new species not yet known to western scientists you just don’t know what new treasures they hold for science adding that biochemical analysis of living plants can reveal properties which may be of medicinal value for sufferers of inflammation “Plants produce different chemicals in different parts of the plant the plant might produce a chemical to stop the leaf being eaten it produces a scent and different colours,” Leitch said Kew is already running a project which aims to use AI to predict which plant species contain molecules with  pharmaceutical potential for malaria The desire to find such “new treasures for science” is one of the reasons why botanic gardens like Kew are looking to expand their living collections by funding plant collecting expeditions The DNA of a living plant can also be extracted “in the most perfect way” to sequence its genome and look at its evolution and the genes underpinning metabolic pathways “We can’t do top quality sequencing except by harvesting material from a living plant.” There are also pressing conservation reasons to carry out plant-collecting expeditions alpine plants – which need cooler climates to thrive – are facing decline like the wild tulips which grow on the mountains of Kyrgyzstan “Many of the species we’ve collected may already be at risk of extinction – but by being able to collect seeds and then grow the plants at Kew and other botanic gardens And so is their long term future survival,” said Leitch Living plant collections are important not only for conservationists and scientists today but for future generations who may be able to use the plants to make a scientific breakthrough that is unimaginable right now she said: “We don’t know what new techniques for studying plants are just around the corner.” Botanical horticulturist Millie Woodley collected 209 of the new seeds that have entered Kew’s living collection on a month-long expedition to Kyrgyzstan which was led by a team from Cambridge Botanic Gardens we set up a new camp at the base of mountains that we would climb the next day – and woke to incredible views,” the 22-year-old said adding that the trip was the toughest thing she had ever done Horticulturalist Millie Woodley on a plant-collecting expedition in Kyrgyzstan ‘It was so exciting not knowing what we were going to come across.’ Photograph: RBG KewAbout 93% of Kyrgyzstan lies 1,000m above sea level “What makes these mountainous regions so exciting is the way the habitats and the plants change You go from semi-desert to a juniper forest to a high alpine meadow It felt like we were crossing into different worlds every population of plants was different,” she said She compared collecting seeds to finding the jewels of the earth “It was so exciting not knowing what we were going to come across.” Now, she is on tenterhooks to see what will grow from everything she brought back. The first bloom of the Tulipa toktogulica, an extremely rare wild tulip species which Cambridge scientists officially described for the first time in 2022 “The goal is eventually to have some of them actually planted in the garden and on display to the public.” Their Sounds of Blossom event honours this annual spring metamorphosis Students from the college have composed new music commissioned by Kew and inspired by the glory of spring These new compositions will be played around the Gardens at the springtime blossom hotspots Sounds of Blossom is taking place from 15 March to 6 April 2025 with their current opening times being 11am to 6pm (last entry 5pm) Entry to the event is included with entry to the Gardens horticulturists at the Royal Botanic Gardens have been waiting for this “spectacular” plant commonly known as the Gabon false hydrosme head of glasshouses at Kew Gardens in southwest London It smells like old socks.”"},"children":[]}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"In the plant’s natural habitat the lowland forests"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":200})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"It is bright yellow grows to almost half a metre and smells of old socks which helps it survive in the wild","slug":"stinking-flower-blooms-at-kew-in-uk-first-but-only-for-48-hours","categoryPath":"/uk/environment/article/stinking-flower-blooms-at-kew-in-uk-first-but-only-for-48-hours-8vrwmq82g","__typename":"Article"},"Article:3dbb663b-c98a-4e4f-8073-15b87d811f41.expirableFlags.0":{"type":"NEW","expiryTime":"2025-03-13T15:20:04.000Z","__typename":"ExpirableFlag"},"Image:2c91212b-89a4-4c7f-b4a9-c2b45a2e160f":{"caption":"Beth Davidson “They’re driven mad 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police commissioner in a cronyism row including a viscountess and a former ambassador to the US have been angered by Richmond council’s decision to end their 32-year stewardship of Pensford Field The deal was discussed at a private meeting, for which the council says it holds no minutes, involving Sir Mark Rowley, the Met boss and DofN’s chair of trustees David Lammy’s speech on climate and nature crisis - YouTube for hosting my first set piece speech as Foreign Secretary Just after hosting the Colombian President of this year’s Nature COP in Cali this morning Conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have dominated my time in office so far I would focus on the most profound and universal source of global disorder – the climate and nature emergency it has become clearer to me how this crisis defines our time I admired Robin Cook making climate a geopolitical issue for the first time – he was a pioneer I spoke about the essential link between climate justice and racial justice I set out how our response to this crisis both can create unparalleled economic opportunities and is the central geopolitical challenge of our age it is the most vulnerable who bear the brunt of this crisis From Ella Kissi-Debrah – a nine-year-old Londoner killed by unlawful levels of air pollution near her home more frequent tropical storms caused by a crisis not of their making So our goal is progressive – a liveable planet for all realist approach towards using all levers at our disposal And I say to you now: these are not contradictions Because nothing could be more central to the UK’s national interest than delivering global progress on arresting rising temperatures is that demands for action from the world’s most vulnerable and the requirements for delivering security for British citizens  And this is because this crisis is not some discrete policy area The threat may not feel as urgent as a terrorist or an imperialist autocrat Countries are scrambling to secure critical minerals just as great powers once raced to control oil – we cannot let this become a source of conflict global warming is driving geopolitical competition over the resources lying beneath the ice there have been the worst droughts ever recorded I saw on day one in this job the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl – the earliest-forming Category 5 hurricane on record rising temperatures are making water and productive land even scarcer These are not random events delivered from the heavens These failures pour fuel onto existing conflicts and regional rivalries displacing communities and increasing humanitarian need And it would be a further failure of imagination to hope that they will stay far from our shores We are already seeing that climate change is uprooting communities across the world the World Bank’s worst-case estimate is that climate change could drive 200 million people to leave their homes The World Health Organisation says climate change is now the biggest threat to human health We saw in the pandemic how quickly an infectious disease could spread from animals to humans and then from a city the other side of the world to here in Britain This becomes only more likely as the climate and nature crisis grows And this crisis threatens the things we take most for granted from the food that we eat to the air that we breathe there remains a tendency for climate and nature policy to end up siloed it has felt the preserve of experts and campaigners Fluent in the sometimes impenetrable dialect of COPs But distant from others working on foreign policy and on national security Don’t get me wrong – we absolutely need campaigners like those in this room I am committing to you that while I am Foreign Secretary action on the climate and nature crisis will be central to all that the Foreign Office does This is critical given the scale of the threat The chance to achieve clean and secure energy and to preserve the natural world around us on which all prosperity ultimately depends something went badly wrong in our national debate on climate change and net zero We have seen with the Inflation Reduction Act in the United States economic and industrial policy becoming increasingly intertwined That is why the Prime Minister is resetting Britain’s approach to climate and nature putting it at the centre of our cross-Government missions you can already see the difference this has made Lifting the de facto ban on onshore wind in England Pledging to end new oil and gas licenses while guaranteeing a fair transition in the North Sea Switching on Great British Energy to crowd investment into clean power projects Launching a rapid review of the Environmental Improvement Plan for completion before the end of this year improve our air quality and halt the decline in species And with over 90% of the UK’s biodiversity within our Overseas Territories looking to expand the Blue Belt programme to increase marine protection This domestic programme is not just essential to our economy but to restoring our international credibility  We are bringing an end to our climate diplomacy of being “Do as I say But this domestic ambition on its own is not enough That’s why this issue has been on the agenda for nearly every meeting that I’ve had with another Minister in my early weeks to the world’s biggest emitter but largest renewables producer in China with whom I announced a new joint Green Transition Fund in the first few weeks in office With Ed Miliband and Steve Reed leading COP negotiations on climate and nature And with Anneliese Dodds as Minister for Development all drawing on the FCDO’s diplomatic and development heft to push for the ambition needed to keep 1.5 degrees alive To drive forward this cross-Government reset even further I am announcing today that we will appoint new UK Special Representatives for Climate Change and Nature together with Ed Miliband and Steve Reed respectively showing that whether you are from the Global North or the Global South And I want this diplomatic effort focused particularly on three priorities we will build a Global Clean Power Alliance This Government has set a landmark goal – to be the first major economy to deliver clean power by 2030 We will leverage that ambition to build an Alliance committed to accelerating the clean energy transition And today we are firing the starting gun on forming this new coalition The International Energy Agency forecasts consumption not just of oil Global investment in clean energy is now almost double the investment in fossil fuels But while some countries are moving ahead in this transition it will be impossible to decarbonise vast sectors of the economy We therefore need to accelerate the rollout of renewables across the globe in a way that this Government is doing at home of course there are different obstacles for different countries But despite several other valuable initiatives pushing forward the energy transition there is no equivalent grouping of countries at the vanguard of the transition reaching across the Global North and the Global South together So the Alliance needs to focus on scaling up global investment Emerging market and developing economies outside China account for just fifteen per cent of global clean energy investment The cost of capital in the Global South is often triple that in the Global North And almost 700 million people have no access to electricity at all so we can back ambitious plans from those moving away from fossil fuels – as Anneliese Dodds has just been doing in Jakarta discussing Indonesia’s Just Energy Transition Partnership and close the clean power gap by helping more countries to leapfrog fossil fuels to renewable power systems The Alliance should also focus on diversifying the production and supply of critical minerals We need to bring these commodities to market faster by helping developing countries to secure the economic benefits while promoting the highest environmental standards for mineral extraction The Alliance could inject impetus into expanding grids and storage as well The IEA assesses that the world needs to add or refurbish the equivalent of the entire existing grid by 2040 And we are working on a global energy storage pledge at COP29 We have to plug the gaps in meeting these targets the Alliance can increase deployment of innovative clean energy There is huge demand for affordable clean technologies from green hydrogen to sustainable cooking and cooling And we have got to progress commercialisation of the tech with the greatest potential And we will take a phased and inclusive approach to building the Alliance listening to those leading the way on clean power and those who share our ambitions But the shared goal is clear – making Net Zero Power a reality This is critical to my progressive realist approach to the crisis Tackling this crisis requires global consensus – that is the principle at the heart of the COP process  And we can only reach a consensus by heeding others’ concerns as well as our own countries of the Global South suffered great injustices in the past But I have heard repeatedly our partners’ frustrations at the unfairness of the global system today – particularly how difficult it is for them to get international climate finance As my good friend Mia Mottley argues so powerfully Natural disasters alone have affected 400 million Africans this century Yet Africa receives just over three per cent of climate finance flows And debt servicing alone averages ten per cent of Africa’s GDP There is no pathway to countries’ development aspirations without climate resilience action on the nature crisis and access to clean energy and no pathway to a sustainable future without development that leaves no one behind The agreement on loss and damage at the last COP was an inspiring example of what the world can achieve by working together  That was the same spirit in which developed countries committed in 2009 to 100 billion dollars a year in international climate finance we are carefully reviewing our plans to do so we are pushing for an ambitious new climate finance goal focused on developing countries at COP29 in November we need to become more creative in unlocking private sector flows for the green transition London is the leading green global financial centre And I have been delighted to learn how UK experts have been developing more effective financing models Britain helped establish the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility back in 2007 the first such fund that pays out after a specific trigger such as earthquakes or tropical cyclones paying out over 76 million dollars as the region began to rebuild I am determined to restore Britain’s reputation for commitment and innovation in the world of development finance This starts with the multilateral development banks we support a capital increase for the IBRD the world’s largest development bank and a key source of climate finance And that’s why next month I will lay before Parliament a UK guarantee for the Asian Development Bank which will unlock over 1.2 billion dollars in climate finance from the Bank for developing countries in the region But impact is not simply a question of more creativity we are co-chairing with the Dominican Republic the Green Climate Fund this year and driving forward reforms to speed up developing countries’ access to it But I have also heard our partners calling for international tax rules to work better for developing countries for unsustainable debt to be tackled more rapidly and for obstacles that inhibit the flow of private capital to be addressed My ambition here is clear: for the UK to lead the G7 debate on international institutional reform but reverse the decline in global biodiversity Sometimes we become numb to the scale of the nature crisis including one third of both marine mammals and coral reefs And wildlife populations fallen by 69 per cent since 1970 mostly due to a staggering 83 per cent collapse in freshwater species Biodiversity loss is as much of a threat as changes to our climate And with nature loss undermining progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals action on nature is also pivotal to genuine partnerships with the Global South We need to bolster the global effort to protect at least thirty per cent of the planet’s land and ocean by 2030 So we are completely committed to ratifying the High Seas Treaty and to securing agreement on a Plastics Treaty And here I pay tribute to a predecessor Zac Goldsmith And I have been looking hard at the successes of our development programmes on nature One programme has mobilised well over a billion pounds to protect and restore forests across nearly 9 million hectares of land And in the future we plan to expand this programme in the Congo Basin rainforest Some of our funding has also been used for incredible research a South African business is trialling new biodegradable nets that The FCDO spends around five per cent of its development budget on research And I am announcing today that we are starting to develop a new programme of research into nature and water specifically with over one hundred researchers and officials having just met in Kenya to begin this agenda I am also looking at how we deliver our development programmes on the ground Indigenous communities particularly are important in this regard – like the incredible female sustainable business owners I met in the Amazon last year – are nature’s best custodians Nature has been declining 30 per cent less in indigenous lands than in the world as a whole Evidence shows that putting local communities at the centre of decision-making leads to better outcomes for the natural world This is the model of development that I believe in The modernised approach to development this Government will be implementing lies Sophia PointI established this small conservation centre five years ago in one of the last unspoilt biodiversity hotspots in the world And it was fascinating last week to discuss it with Sir David Attenborough last week and hear his reminiscences of visiting those same rainforests as a young man In fact my Father used to bring me to Kew Gardens but I now realise he brought me here to somehow be in touch with Guyana and those rainforests And we discussed how Sir David’s work and that of Sophia Point is rooted in a concept common to the indigenous people of that part of South America and many farmers and others in Britain and around the globe That we have both an interest and a responsibility to maintain a liveable planet for ourselves and future generations without a more equal partnership between the Global North and the Global South The Sunday TimesMaking a cup of coffee is a serious business for the botanist Aaron Davis Stooped over a set of digital scales in his office above the herbarium at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew he measured out precisely 10g of freshly ground coffee He added 150ml of water at a temperature of 98C “Well … it definitely tastes like coffee.” JOSHUA BRATT FOR THE SUNDAY TIMESProfessional tasters had described this coffee — a variety called excelsa — as exceptionally smooth with notes of chocolate has for the first time swapped its plants for poltergeists in a Halloween-themed light trail 'carnivorous' trees and actors posing as scary characters lurking in dark corners will be there to spook but not terrify visitors Head of event operations Dáire Basra said the team took inspiration from the natural landscape at Kew props and actors to enhance landscapes in a way people have not seen before The trail took around two weeks to pull together Follow BBC London on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hellobbclondon@bbc.co.uk ShareSaveDeaf actress brings sign language to ShakespeareSophie Stone, known for her roles in Doctor Who and Casualty, is making Shakespeare more inclusive. CCTV shows coach's lifesaving CPR in boxing ringThe moment a boxing club coach’s life was saved during a children’s sparring session. Watch: King Charles refreshes his CPR skillsThe King performed CPR on a mannequin when he visited the Royal College of Nursing. London cable car pods turned into 'chatty cabins'People are being encouraged to have conversations with others to try and combat loneliness. 'It's an incredible experience to work at the London Eye'People who work at the London Eye tell us what it is like as the attraction marks 25 years. The women defying skateboarding stereotypesMeet the mums who are on a mission to make skate boarding more accessible for older women. 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EastEnders pub landlady on 'exciting' live episodeHarriet Thorpe who plays Queen Vic landlady Elaine on preparing for the upcoming live episode. Watch: Shoplifter tackled off e-scooter in LondonA plain-clothes police officer tackled the thief as he tried to flee from a shop in Barnet. 'See it, say it, sorted' - the voice of London's trainsSince 2011, Matthew Streeton's voice has been heard by millions of train passengers in London. News | Environment The UK has seen the warmest start to May on record as temperatures continue to soar with firefighters battling wildfires and warnings over the “hidden dangers” of open water swimming Kew Gardens, in south-west London, registered 29.3C on Thursday afternoon, the Met Office said taking it past the previous May 1 record high temperature of 27.4C at Lossiemouth in Moray in 1990 Thursday was also the warmest day of the year so far beating the previous high of 26.7C reached in Wisley Firefighters are battling a 2km moorland blaze which broke out near Ripponden, West Yorkshire The blaze is one of more than 400 wildfires recorded across England and Wales so far this year West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service was called at 12.15pm on Thursday to reports of a fire off Oldham Road 18 crews were at the scene with support units from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service crews were fighting two active flanks of fire backpacks and a water relay system to tackle the flames The area has been split into sections to manage the response with additional support from the Highways Agency and the public is being urged to stay away According to the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) fire and rescue services have responded to 439 wildfires since January 1 That compares with 250 in the same period in 2022 Meanwhile in Nottingham the recovery of a 16-year-old boy’s body from a lake prompted emergency services to also warn about swimming in lakes and rivers Migrants cross English Channel in warm spell as arrivals pass 11,000 for year Harrods hit by cyber attack amid wave of retailer hacking incidents Murder accused said he would make his wife cup of tea if she came home How Guerrilla.Co is tackling road-runoff pollution in the UK The boy got into difficulty while swimming at Colwick Country Park on Wednesday evening and his body was found a few hours later Chief Inspector David Mather said: “While work is now under way to understand how the boy came into difficulty I would like to take this opportunity to highlight this case as a reminder of the devastating consequences of entering open water – regardless of whether people do so deliberately or inadvertently open water can have hidden dangers that can prove fatal and I would urge anyone who spends any time on or near open water to use this case as a devastating reminder of that – particularly during the recent warm weather we have been experiencing.” Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service group manager Tom Staples said: “This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers of open water We urge everyone to take care around lakes The London Fire Brigade urged caution around open-water swimming after a 32% increase in water-related incidents last month compared with the same period last year the London Fire Brigade Assistant Commissioner we understand the temptation to cool off in rivers water temperatures can be dangerously cold Be particularly careful near the water’s edge — it’s easy to slip or fall without warning “Always think twice before jumping into open water these environments often lack lifeguards and have hidden hazards.” The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) offered similar warnings said: “If you are planning on swimming at a lifeguarded beach we highly recommend you swim between the red and yellow flags as this is the area most closely monitored by lifeguards Tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then call for help or swim to safety if you can.” Fire services also warned the warm weather means there is a “heightened” risk of grass and wildfires which can spread more easily during the dry spell Temperatures are expected to ease by Friday and Saturday will bring cooler conditions of 14C to 18C across the UK said on Thursday afternoon: “Temperatures tomorrow will be slightly reduced from what we’ve seen today possibly 26 or 27 degrees in the far south-east of England through the day tomorrow.” The RAC also cautioned drivers on the roads with spokesman Rod Dennis saying breakdowns are expected to “soar” “We’re urging everyone travelling to ensure they have plenty of water for themselves and any passengers in case they get stuck in traffic or break down hats or an umbrella with them to protect themselves from the sun “Drivers must avoid driving if the low coolant light appears on the dashboard as there’s a serious risk of engine overheating” The NHS also reported that searches for hay fever advice had doubled from Monday to Wednesday said: “While I’m sure most people will be delighted to be able to enjoy the warmth and sunshine at this time of year the warm weather brings an increase in the pollen count that can cause discomfort for hay fever sufferers “Most people will be able to manage their symptoms with medication that is available off the shelf from community pharmacies and supermarkets and the NHS website has more advice on how to deal with the discomfort.” Prince Louis steals the show at VE Day parade as he keeps dad William looking sharp and mimics brother George Prince Louis steals show with sweet antics at VE parade VE Day 2025 fashion: best looks from the day VE Day 2025 fashion: Princess of Wales to Lady Victoria Starmer UK tourists face major travel shake-up as Dubai airport set to close Royals watch historic flypast as huge crowds turns out for VE Day 80th anniversary  Royals watch historic Red Arrows flypast for VE Day 80th anniversary Ukraine 'launches stunning Kursk offensive' in major blow for Putin ahead of Victory Day celebrations Ukraine 'launches stunning Kursk offensive' in blow for Putin News & Views from Kingston and Surrounds Peru is home to over 3,000 species of orchid many of which are found nowhere else on the planet supervisor of the Princess of Wales Conservatory at Kew said: “We are thrilled to bring the biodiversity of Peru to this year’s Orchid festival The festival is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the wonders of nature and escape the winter blues” This year’s colourful display focuses on the natural beauty of the South American country with floral installations featuring flamingos alpacas and a recreation of world-wonder Machu Picchu Regular visitor Shelly McOwen said: “I look forward to the Orchid festival every year Kew Gardens is one of the most magical places in London.” Visitors will also be able to see the endangered plant known as the Queen of the Andes (or Puya raimondii) It is native to the Peruvian and Bolivian Andes and can grow up to 50 feet in height Past festivals have showcased orchids from Cameroon Tickets to the Orchid Festival are free with garden entry. Queues are expected, and timeslots can be booked in advance here You must be logged in to post a comment Email us!  CloseSpecialists at Kew Gardens are digitising its entire archive of eight million dried plant specimens including some picked by the naturalist and biologist Charles Darwin The biggest project ever undertaken at the west London attraction it is designed to preserve plant life for future generations and make the information accessible to as many people around the world as possible Scientists are about three quarters of the way through digitising the archive but are calling on the public's help to carry on their work Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRead descriptionEditor's recommendationsKew Gardens digitising eight million plant samples 00:01:27Kew Gardens digitising eight million plant samples 1:27Up Next Watch: BBC reports from pier 33 - the gateway to Alcatraz 00:01:40Watch: BBC reports from pier 33 - the gateway to Alcatraz 1:40Watch: Prince Louis steals the show as royals mark VE Day 00:01:25Watch: Prince Louis steals the show as royals mark VE Day 1:25Watch: How Lady Gaga's record-breaking concert almost ended in disaster Video 00:01:21Watch: How Lady Gaga's record-breaking concert almost ended in disaster 1:21'Trump was the game-changer': Three things to know about the Australian election result 00:01:20'Trump was the game-changer': Three things to know about the Australian election result 1:20Prince Harry 'can't see a world' where his family will visit the UK 00:02:54Prince Harry 'can't see a world' where his family will visit the UK 2:54Watch: Key moments from the local elections.. 00:01:32Watch: Key moments from the local elections.. 1:32Watch: Reform by-election win raises questions for Labour and Tories 00:01:11Watch: Reform by-election win raises questions for Labour and Tories 1:11Russell Brand's court appearance explained.. 00:00:50Russell Brand's court appearance explained.. 0:50Ros Atkins on.. What's in the US-Ukraine resources deal 1:23Kamala Harris hits out at Trump in first major speech since losing election 00:01:18Kamala Harris hits out at Trump in first major speech since losing election 1:18Watch: Moment Columbia student Mohsen Mahdawi is released 00:00:46Watch: Moment Columbia student Mohsen Mahdawi is released Image: Spring at Kew; Photograph by Ines Stuart-Davidson The CBeebies superhero ‘Supertato’ will be at Kew Gardens this Easter with his nemesis Evil Pea and other vegetable friends The TV character which has inspired a whole range of spins offs: games and puzzles encouraging young children to take part in a range of hands-on activities in several interactive zones in the historic botanic gardens They will be there from Friday 5 to Monday 21 April with free entry for those under the age of four £1 entry to Kew Gardens for recipients of Universal Credit and Pension credit The characters are the creations of best-selling children’s authors Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet who together have written 13 Supertato books along with Supertato themed sticker books and other stories about Norman the slug The first book in the Supertato series has now sold over 800,000 copies The activities at Kew Gardens this Easter include dressing up There is an educational element in the Veggie Fact Trail Supertato books and products at Kew’s gift shops and even Supertato inspired food available “We can’t think of a more exciting and magical place for Supertato and the Veggies to find themselves than Kew Gardens The team have worked so hard to make a fun day out for Supertato fans and those who’ve never even met the spud Image: Spring at Kew; Photograph by Sebastian Kettley ‘The Sounds of Blossom’ is returning for a second year In collaboration with the Royal College of Music immerse yourself in in brand new compositions arranged by music students and commissioned to celebrate the spectacular spring blossom There is also a new exhibition called ‘The Power of Trees’ exploring ‘the enduring beauty of trees across art and culture’ which opens at the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art on Saturday 12 April and is included in the price of entry to Kew Gardens It features an installation by Finnish visual artist Eija-Liisa Ahtila and the world premiere of 20 newly commissioned botanical artworks by The Bedgebury Pinetum Florilegium Society Image: Palm House Parterre; Photograph by Ines Stuart-Davidson For tickets, please visit: visit-kew-gardens/tickets £1 ticket offer available to recipients of Universal Credit as well as asylum applicants with a valid ARC card Additional £1 entry available for up to 4 additional guests £10 ticket available to a young person or student (16 to 29) when purchased online Family tickets starting from £29 available during peak season (1 February to 31 October) Visit the website to find the best value offer Read more stories on The Chiswick Calendar See also: Body found in the River Thames confirmed as Damon Rawnsley See also: Hymnathon raises more than £24,000 for St Michael & All Angels Church Privacy Statement Cookie Policy info@thechiswickcalendar.co.uk About The Chiswick Calendar  Newsletter & Club Card by dwmultimedia We may request cookies to be set on your device We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites and to customize your relationship with our website Click on the different category headings to find out more You can also change some of your preferences Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website refusing them will have impact how our site functions You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains You can check these in your browser security settings We also use different external services like Google Webfonts Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site Changes will take effect once you reload the page You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page It's been a while since we've had a new Santa Maria pizzeria (the last was in Islington) but they're gearing up for their next - this time in Kew. The restaurant is taking over what recently used to be Hawthorn but is probably best known for being the site of Glasshouse which was in this space for over 20 years.  but you can imagine it's going to be a pretty similar operation to their other pizzerias So that's a menu of traditional Neapolitan pizzas which remain some of the very best in London They'll have a big dine-in restaurant here but if you live in the area you'll soon be benefiting from an excellent new pizza delivery option.  Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @santamariapizza Subscribe to be the first to get the news from Hot Dinners Please enable the javascript to submit this form By signing up you agree to our privacy policy View on Google maps About us  |  Contact Us  |  RSS Feed  |  Site directory  |  Privacy policy  |  Log in/out Join 50,000 other Londoners getting exclusive news and restaurant offers from Hot Dinners. Please enable the javascript to submit this form By signing up you agree to our privacy policy See our previous newsletters here « All Events Kew’s iconic Orchid festival returns for 2025 celebrating the spectacular flora and fauna of Peru on Saturday 1 February – Sunday 2 March 2025 taking over the Princess of Wales Conservatory Kew’s iconic Orchid festival returns in 2025 to brighten up the winter months Taking over the Princess of Wales Conservatory from Saturday 1 February to Sunday 2 March 2025 the 29 orchid festival draws inspiration from the unique flora and fauna of Peru From beaches and rainforests to deserts and mountains Peru offers a varied landscape which is home to over 3000 species of orchid This beauty and biodiversity will inspire a series of stunning horticultural displays and living sculptures in the Princess of Wales Conservatory at Kew Gardens in London parihuanas and a cornucopia will be created in floral form Large-scale photography by Peruvian photographer Mariano Vivanco will celebrate the history and heritage of his homeland Bespoke murals and hand-painted pottery from Lima-born artist Gisella Stapleton £1 entry for recipients of Universal Credit Exclusive evening access to Orchids Peru with live Peruvian music Saving Orchids: Stories of species survival in a changing world by Philip Seaton and Lawrence W You must book a time slot to be admitted to Orchids Saturday 1 February – Sunday 2 March 2025 The simple timber building contains pumps that draw water up from an underground tank to irrigate the gardens While the gardens have previously relied on mains water a new irrigation strategy designed by the practice forms part of a wider project to ensure water security Devised in collaboration with horticultural and capital projects teams at the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew the new irrigation network includes this timber-enclosed pump house which acts as the ‘heartbeat’ of the system The pump house rests on a small mound above an underground water tank that stores 280,000 litres of irrigation water Similar to the neighbouring Treetop Walkway the pump house has been designed to have a subtle relationship with its natural environment Its form is intended to mimic a fallen leaf in plan while the structure of interlocking timber struts is intended to reference a palm frond The struts interlock on each side to form sharp angular walls that curve to create an oval-shaped enclosure sheltering the machinery within Natural finish European larch was used for the external structure which will age naturally over time to a silver colour The timber enclosure design makes use of repeated interlocking modules of naturally finished European larch arrayed into an oval-shaped plan The filigree timber enclosure will naturally age to a silver colour and is designed to play with the dappled light and shadows of surrounding trees to complement the landscape and camouflage the pumphouse’s inner workings Dozens of sketch studies were made of leaf structures seed pods and palm fronds by hand and with 3D digital modelling to help create and analyse the nature-inspired and sculptural design We are very proud to be working with the Royal Botanic Gardens They are world leaders in plant and fungal scientific research and conservation they are leading the charge in terms of nature-based solutions to the climate crisis and it’s an honour to be a part of this overall mission The larger irrigation strategy will be part of the gardens’ resilient future and The new pump house at Kew marks a significant step forward in our irrigation infrastructure development Having a reliable and efficient pumping system to distribute the water stored in our underground tank is an essential element for our landscape resilience we will be able to reduce our reliance on mains water ensuring that our gardens thrive while we work in harmony with nature This will not only preserve precious resources but also set a new standard for environmental stewardship in horticulture at Kew Tags The project prioritised reuse and upcycling using low-carbon and natural materials including… Working with local architecture studio dílna London and central Europe-based Chybik +… Harp & Harp has completed a seven-home scheme in Croydon Pollard Thomas Edwards has created a landmark… Kew has appointed Raoul Curtis-Machin as director of gardens Email: hwsupport@haymarket.com Register Subscribe Subscribe Your guide to London's culture and transport news and events taking place across the city Published on 9th December 2024 by ianVisits in Churn, London Ticket Alert It’s only in bloom for a day or two, so if you can get to Kew Gardens sharpish then one of the world’s smelliest plants is strutting its thing has an incredibly foul smell of rotten flesh when in bloom which evolved to attract pollinators that love to feed and breed on flesh Titan arum only grows in the rainforests of Sumatra, but there are a few in London — in Kew Gardens. They’ve just announced that one of them is now in bloom and will be in flower for just a couple of days at most So you have just a couple of days — likely just Tuesday and Wednesday — to see and Tickets to Kew Gardens are cheaper if booked online in advance but you can buy them at the gate if necessary This website has been running now for over a decade, and while advertising revenue contributes to funding the website, it doesn't cover the costs. That is why I have set up a facility with DonorBox where you can contribute to the costs of the website and time invested in writing and research for the news articles It's very similar to the way The Guardian and many smaller websites are now seeking to generate an income in the face of rising costs and declining advertising Whether it's a one-off donation or a regular giver every additional support goes a long way to covering the running costs of this website and keeping you regularly topped up doses of Londony news and facts If you like what you read on here, then please support the website here Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" and the latest news published on ianVisits You can unsubscribe at any time from my weekly emails © ianVisits residents are invited to join the 79th Kew Horticultural Society Summer Show on Kew Green The traditional produce fair will feature a glorious exhibit marquee bursting with vegetables There will also be horticultural-based stalls selling a variety of books Punch & Judy shows will be on stage throughout the day for the little ones There will also be a food court selling delicious homemade cakes Residents are welcome to join in the real fun by entering your homegrown produce cakes or crafts into one of over 100 categories Find out more about Kew Horticultural Society Summer Show Up to: August 2024 AFROSPACE INTERCHANGE is a collective of extraordinary Naarm musicians celebrate and champion the rich tradition of South African Jazz from its roots in the struggle for freedom to its current sounds under the guidance of the “Born Free” generation Joining forces with The Kew Court House to present a nod to of Youth Day Their music invites a spiritual moment that communicates directly with the soul and rhythms of all our ancestors The collective team up with drum legend Brian Abrahams (collaborator of Sarah Vaughan Abdullah Ibrahim and is an originator of this unique art form) to create something that’s part party It’s the kind of night where you might walk in knowing nothing about South African jazz and leave with a whole new musical obsession In an era where authenticity is often claimed but rarely achieved AFROSPACE INTERCHANGE delivers something genuine Image: Kew Railway Bridge; Photograph by Joanna Raikes Network Rail have confirmed they are investigating cracks in Kew Railway Bridge which crosses the River Thames at Strand on the Green carrying District Line tube trains and London Overground trains between Gunnersbury station and Kew Gardens The Chiswick Calendar has been told that the bridge is showing signs of age in similar ways to Hammersmith Bridge – cracks in the stone structure “We are aware that some cracks have appeared in the brick abutments of the 155-year-old Kew Railway Bridge “Our structural engineers are investigating the cause and checking for further cracks “Temporary works are being put in place to protect the Grade II listed structure while these investigations continue “Once the investigations are completed we will speak with relevant stakeholders to develop and implement a more permanent solution to repair this historic structure.” who operate the District Line train services They said they have not yet been informed of any problems that might affect their services District Line and London Overground services were suspended for four weekends at the end of last year while engineers worked to replace the wheel timbers on the bridge READ ALSO: Completed Kew Bridge works should improve rail and tube services Kew Railway Bridge supports the Richmond–Stratford Overground route and the District Line branch from Richmond to Gunnersbury It was designed by WR Galbraith and opened in 1869 See also: Independent wins Syon and Brentford Lock by-election  See also: Hounslow Council seeks to extend controls on housing in multiple occupation Carbon Garden will show how carbon helps to sustain life on Earth News | London Kew Gardens will open a ‘groundbreaking’ new garden in July warning of the urgent need to tackle the climate crisis The Carbon Garden will show how carbon helps to sustain life on Earth the scale of the climate crisis and how nature can be used to combat it at the world-famous attraction in South West London The permanent garden aims to inspire visitors to take actions in their everyday lives to support the planet Kew said that while human activities have released an alarming amount of carbon into the atmosphere plants and fungi act as ‘natural allies in climate repair’ as they can capture carbon and restore balance Work has now begun to create the garden, after Richmond Council approved the plans last year It will welcome visitors with a striking display of plants reflecting the dramatic rise in average global temperatures over time a rocky outcrop and a layer of coal in the earth’s crust with fossilised plants will then reveal the hidden world of carbon underground A circular route will lead visitors through the main zones of the garden including a dry garden with drought-resistant plants to show how nature can be used to adapt to climate change A rain garden and ditch lined with plants will highlight ways to manage water flow reduce flooding and put moisture back into soil A fungi-inspired pavilion will be built in the centre of the garden It will have a sloping canopy directing rainwater into the rain garden along with sheltered space to host school visits and community activities The garden also aims to offer hope by showing nature’s ability to capture and store carbon chosen for their resilience to predicted future climate conditions wildflower meadows and hedges to boost biodiversity Richard Wilford, Kew’s Garden Design Manager, said: “The Carbon Garden offers a unique opportunity to showcase our ongoing research, combining scientific insight with thoughtful design and beautiful planting to highlight the role of carbon in our lives, how it moves through the environment and how plants and fungi can help us tackle climate change We hope the Carbon Garden inspires visitors to act and join us in shaping a more sustainable UK wind turbines painted black to stop deadly bird strikes ‘in concession to Trump’ Rain and snow forecast to see out weekend but temperatures due to rise next week Three teenage girls charged over death of man Don’t miss this free immersive light experience at Westfield London The garden was made possible by funding from Biffa Award cash raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and donations added: “We are immensely proud to support the Carbon Garden which will educate and inspire visitors about the vital role of carbon in our environment we are committed to funding projects that have a lasting positive impact on both people and the planet “We are particularly excited that this garden will not only showcase Kew’s research but will also serve as a hub for learning demonstrating how collective action can drive real environmental change.” Kew Gardens has unveiled plans for a new ‘Carbon Garden’ at its world-famous botanical site in London the permanent garden will tell “the story of carbon” through a unique design illustrating the deep connections between plants and climate change The Royal Botanic Gardens (RBG) at Kew welcomes around 2.5 million visitors every year to its vast grounds which are home to over 50,000 living plant species “The Carbon Garden offers a unique opportunity to showcase our ongoing research combining scientific insight with thoughtful design and beautiful planting to highlight the role of carbon in our lives,” says Richard Wilford “We hope the Carbon Garden inspires visitors to act and join us in shaping a more sustainable resilient future for life on our planet.” Here’s what you can expect to find this summer Eye-catching plans released today feature abundant colour and a fungi-like centrepiece which appears to have sprouted from the garden The tapestry of plants is made up of herbaceous perennials, chosen to illustrate the dramatic rise in global average temperatures over recent years. They are inspired by the famous climate stripes Visitors are then greeted by a rocky outcrop and an unusual sight: an exposed coal seam showing fossilised plants Soil is normally kept hidden in gardens, but the whole point of Kew’s Carbon Garden is to “reveal the invisible”, highlighting the hidden world of carbon beneath our feet We’re used to hearing about carbon in a negative context. The emissions from burning carbon-based fuels are the biggest contributor to the climate crisis and its assorted disasters But Kew is telling a deeper story about this ‘stardust’ found in all living things - an element that exists in the air Around 99 per cent of carbon on Earth is stored underground Through burning fossil fuels and other activities humans have released around 2,500 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere since 1850 Plants and fungi are our natural allies in climate repair holding the power to capture carbon and restore balance The central pavilion, designed by Mizzi Studio, is inspired by the symbiotic relationship between the plant and fungal kingdoms and is created using low-carbon The sheltered space will support school visits and community activities while a forward-tilted canopy directs rainwater into a rain garden This mini garden and bioswale - a vegetated channel designed to funnel stormwater runoff - will demonstrate ways to manage water flow and grow moisture-tolerant plants that support soil stability and carbon storage On the other side of the climate coin, a dry garden will exhibit drought-tolerant and Mediterranean plants from hotter climates This “startling contrast” to the herbaceous planting will hold plants we might look to for London gardens in 30 years as temperatures rise At least 26 new trees will also be planted selected for their resilience to future climate conditions And areas of wildflower meadows and native hedgerows will boost biodiversity as biodiverse habitats are more resilient and better at storing carbon than monocultures Kew horticulturists and arboriculturists know this from their work at the London site and at Wakehurst Kew’s wild botanic garden in Sussex - where a research programme aims to inform conservation strategies in the UK