Famous greenhouse under threat

A new report has suggested that one of the nations most recognisable greenhouse structures could be closed if restoration work is not carried out.

It is believed that Kew Gardens will have to spend in the region of £20 million to keep the Grade I listed Temperate House and its other glazed structures open, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) revealed.

The assessment also found that the Royal Botanic Gardens could be forced to spend a further £60 million to rectify other repair issues, including work required on the famous Pagoda.

It identified that the garden attraction was at risk of losing its status as a prime research centre, as resources are being poured into fundraising, with bosses looking more at survival than scientific exploration.

A number of positions at Kew have remained unfilled due to a lack of funding and the report has recommended that the gardens seek a one-off grant from Defra to help secure its future.

Meanwhile, the RHS recently paid tribute to the former national secretary of the National Society for Allotment & Leisure Gardeners, who died on March 1st.