Defra Review of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Press release, 16 July 2009

Defra has announced the start of a review of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. The review will assess Kew's scientific research functions, how Kew supports Defra's objectives and whether it has the resourcing and infrastructure necessary to carry out its statutory functions.

Hilary Benn said: "Kew is a world class organisation - an iconic part of the nation's cultural heritage and a scientific institution of global renown. Its contribution is more significant than ever given the importance of conserving and harnessing biodiversity and our natural resources against the challenges of climate change.

"This Review gives us a valuable opportunity to reflect on Kew's knowledge and expertise, how these can be used and maintained, and the best ways to ensure a sustainable future for a body which is already celebrating 250 years of success."

The Review will be lead by Professor Sir Neil Chalmers, Warden of Wadham College, Oxford and former Director of the Natural History Museum and Dean of Science at the Open University. Users, customers and stakeholders of Kew will be consulted, and the Review's findings will be published.

Kew is an Executive Non-Departmental Public Body. Defra provides an annual grant-in-aid of around £25 million towards its running costs and capital programmes.

The review is expected to be completed by 31 March 2010.