Tom Pickering, Head of Glasshouse Collections at the world-renowned Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, will lead us on a fascinating journey from a recent expedition to the tropical Comoros Islands off the coast of Africa in search of a rare plant species through to the architectural history and future of Kew Gardens iconic Palm House. Tom will bring to life the stunning world of Kew Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and offer a unique insight into how Kew is shaping the future of botanical preservation.
Constructed in 1848, Kew’s Palm House is a pioneering example of Victorian iron and glass architecture. Last renovated nearly 40 years ago, it now faces significant structural challenges, requiring extensive refurbishment to safeguard its legacy. This ambitious restoration project aims to preserve the Palm House’s historical significance while transforming it into the world’s first net-zero heritage glasshouse—a groundbreaking example of how historic structures can be adapted for a sustainable future.
Beyond the Palm House, Tom will share another extraordinary conservation success story—his expedition to the Comoros Islands, where he confirmed the existence of the rare palm Ravenea Moorei in the wild. Previously thought extinct, this species was known only from Kew’s Palm House, which houses the world’s only cultivated specimen. Thanks to this rediscovery, Kew now holds a significant quantity of seed and young plants, ensuring the species’ survival through a robust ex-situ conservation program.
Doors open 5pm | Lecture begins at 5:30 pm
