Kew Gardens maintains a vast collection of plants from all over the world, including many globally threatened species. Conservation work of international importance is undertaken here, and this is reflected in its status as a World Heritage Site.As well as its collections, the gardens at Kew also contain some valuable native wildlife habitats. These include woodland, grassland and wetlands, and they support a wide diversity of birds and other animals. A number of educational exhibits celebrate the wilder aspects of the gardens.In the grounds of the gardens lies Grade I listed Kew Palace, built in 1631 and family home of George III. The gardens are one of London’s most popular tourist attractions. They are open every day except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (entrance fee payable).
Local Wildlife Site
Accessible Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Borough: Richmond upon Thames
Grade: Metropolitan
Access: Public access (entry fee)
Area: 123.27 ha
Description
Wildlife
The largest wild area is the woodland surrounding the Queen's Cottage. The canopy here is dominated by pedunculate oak, with an understorey of rhododendron. Bluebells are abundant here in the early spring, and are followed by large naturalised populations of two uncommon plants, martagon lily and perfoliate alexanders. Much of the grassland within the gardens retains its original character. Some areas are managed traditionally as meadows. The resulting diversity of plants includes chamomile, which has become scarce nationally. Other uncommon grassland plants include bird's-foot, mouse-ear hawkweed, burrowing and knotted clovers, fiddle dock, wild clary, dark mullein, meadow saxifrage and star-of-Bethlehem.The gardens also support a good range of birds. These include several declining species like spotted flycatcher and lesser spotted woodpecker. Sparrowhawk and tawny owl also occur. There are several badger setts within the grounds, where they are comparatively safe from the persecution affecting badgers elsewhere in London. At least two bat roosts are known within the site. The ponds and lakes support grass snakes, frogs and newts, as well as 12 species of dragonflies and damselflies. Other insects include the purple hairstreak butterfly, and many hoverflies.Facilities
Information (leaflets, signs, school visits); car parking; playground; cafes; toilets (including disabled access and baby changing); nature trail.
Springtime at Kew Gardens © James Farrell
The Palm House at Kew Gardens © Trevor Farrell
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