Welsh Botanic Gardens to receive fresh funding

The National Botanic Gardens of Wales is to receive £700,000 of new funding, the Welsh Assembly Government has announced.

Following a review into whether public places are providing value for money, the investment has been pledged to the facility subject to certain conditions.

These include setting up a new capital management and maintenance plan and extending its educational outreach programme.

Commenting on the move, heritage minister Alun Ffred Jones said despite being only ten years old, the gardens already make a big contribution to tourism, education and science.

"This level of funding, as has been recommended by the recent independent review, will help the gardens to develop further as a scientific centre of excellence, a showcase for sustainability and as a visitor attraction," he added.

Situated in Carmarthenshire in south west Wales, the centerpiece of the gardens is the largest single span glasshouse in the world.