Press Release

Dreaming of Kew

Midnight Ramblers: Sleepovers at Kew

January 2007

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is inviting young explorers to spend a magical night in the Gardens. Over 300 children have already taken part in this adventure and we are now searching for more Midnight Ramblers to enter the enchanting world of Kew after sun-set.

This unique event aims to inspire young people into thinking about the natural world, especially the environment, plants, conservation and sustainability. It begins in the Climbers and Creepers play-zone, where Ramblers can grab a sleeping spot in the giant bramble tangle, beneath a huge flower or alongside the bees. After camp has been set up, everyone is put into groups - Badgers, Foxes, Owls, Squirrels and Bats - and then prepare for a night of adventure.

To start the evening, a set of environmental games, such as building a tree of people, encourages everyone to get to know their team-mates and learn about the science behind the plants of Kew.

The groups then head off into the Gardens led by two expert rangers. They begin in the ten climatic zones of the Princess of Wales Conservatory, discovering how plants have adapted to their environments. Explorers can discover plants found in extremely dry deserts or tropical rainforest in the scavenger trail, and all under one roof. Horticultural activities take place in Kew 's tropical nursery where there will be potting and seed sowing competitions for budding horticulturalists.

Either a game of habitat bingo or the nocturnal animal and insect hunt then takes place after a quick snack back at Climbers and Creepers. Ramblers can use torchlight to navigate through the towering trees of Kew 's Arboretum. This natural habitat is home to the team mascots and Kew 's other over-night guests - Badgers, Foxes, Owls, Squirrels and Bats. If anyone manages to spot one on these mysterious animals, or even capture them on camera, they may win a prize the next day!

When everyone is worn out by all of the activity there is a chance to warm up and toast marshmallows around a campfire while music and storytelling prepare explorers for a cosy night in Climbers and Creepers.

Campers have an early start the next day, beginning with a hearty breakfast and then a prize giving ceremony. Some team members may be congratulated on achievements such as ‘best camper' and ‘best photographer', and could even be lucky enough to win ‘best snorer!'

2007 Sleepover dates are:

10th March

24th March

5th May

8th September

22nd September

13th October

27th October

10 November

There is capacity for up to 80 children per sleepover, with one adult accompanying up to 4 children.

The price per head is £40.

The activities at the sleepovers are suitable for 8 – 12 year olds.

For further information, kit list and registration form please visit www.kew.org/events/sleepover. For general enquiries e-mail info@kew.org. For booking enquiries e-mail sleepovers@kew.org.

For further information

Please contact Catherine Owen, Oliver Basciano or Anna Quenby in the Kew Gardens Press Office on 020 8332 5607 or email pr@kew.org.

Notes to Editors

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Kew Gardens is a major international visitor attraction and its 132 hectares of landscaped gardens attract over one million visitors per year. Kew was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2003 and represents over 250 years of historical landscape. The site houses over 40 listed buildings and other structures including the Palm House, Temperate House, Orangery and Pagoda as well as two ancient monuments, Queen Charlotte's Cottage and Kew Palace. RBG, Kew is a world famous scientific organisation, internationally respected for its outstanding living collection of plants and world-class herbarium as well as its scientific expertise in plant diversity, conservation and sustainable development in the UK and around the world. www.kew.org.

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