Conserving and restoring habitats

Kew is a leader in plant conservation and the new science of restoration ecology. Our scientists have long been active in conserving what remains of the planet’s intact habitats, sharing knowledge and expertise with those working locally. Today they are going one step further by helping to restore damaged and ruined habitats throughout the world.

Since 2000, at least 50 Kew projects have helped to renew damaged or destroyed ecosystems in the UK and the developing world. With every replanting, we reinforce the genetic diversity that is the key to resilience. In many cases, we are helping humans to adapt to a changing climate or securing the ‘services’ ecosystems provide such as clean water and air, and resources for local livelihoods. It is not always a case of replanting species that have died out, however. Sometimes entirely new plants can be used to decontaminate polluted areas or desalinate farmland.

Restoration ecology, led by Professor Bruce Pavlik at Kew, is also about pragmatism combined with hope. Some of our work in this field is on a commercial basis – with mining companies and land managers who share our commitment to restoring nature’s balance. However, most of the underlying science and much of our urgent conservation work depends on philanthropy.

You can take action with us by supporting on-the-ground conservation or restoration projects in a specific region or by investing in the core scientific research at Kew.

Target:

£10 million

Campaign objectives

Offer your support

Call us on 020 8332 3248 to offer your support

Campaign objectives

Image: Detail of seed sculpture

Campaign objective:
Banking and sharing the world's seeds

Image: Forest canopy

Campaign objective:
Conserving and restoring habitats

Image: abstract image of plant DNA

Campaign objective:
Unlocking the power of plants for people

Image: green hand prints

Campaign objective:
Educating the next generation

Image: the Temperate House

Campaign objective:
Preserving Kew's heritage

Image: Detail of iron gate

Campaign objective:
Meeting our immediate and long term needs

Explore our Work

Breathing Planet - Explorer our Work

Explore our work around the world

Stories of the Breathing Planet

Photo: A view of the Peruvian desert

The Tree that held back the Peruvian Desert

Kew is helping regenerate the huarango tree in Peru - restoring the old ecosystems and microclimates at the same time.

Nematolepis wilsonii

How the Nematolepis regained its shine

A team supported by Kew collected seeds used to restore the 'shining nematolepis' that would have otherwise become extinct.

View all stories

People of the Breathing Planet

'Richard and I have been inspired by the application of Kew's science across a broad spectrum.'
Kara Gnodde, Trustee

Breathing Planet People

'We are proud of our longstanding research, conservation and education partnership with Kew.'
Sir Andrew Witty, CEO, GlaxoSmithKline

Breathing Planet People

'I want to deliver an outstanding family landscape that attracts children to learn and have fun.'
Professor Angela McFarlane, Director of Public Engagement and Learning

Breathing Planet People

'Kew’s restoration ecology programme has the potential to transform the world.'
Dr Bruce Pavlik, Head of Restoration Ecology

Breathing Planet People

'No other institution could offer the opportunities or support for expertise on trees and arboreta.'
Tony Kirkham, Head of Arboretum

Breathing Planet People

'The restoration of the Temperate House is an example of how Kew's history is relevant today.'
Dr Tim Entwisle, Director of Conservation, Living Collections

Breathing Planet People

'When we discovered Kew's scientific work, we decided to leave a legacy to Kew in our wills.'
Andy and Val Butler, Supporters

AndyValbut

'There is no technical reason why any plant species should become extinct.'
Dr Paul Smith, Head of Seed Conservation

Paul Smith

'Being at Kew gives me the opportunity to work with an incredibly diverse range of plants.'
Lara Jewitt, Glasshouse Manager

Lara Jewit

'My team keep Kew's 1.5 million visitors safe so they can relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.'
John Deer, Security Manager

John Deer

'I try to inspire our visitors to take personal action to help conserve the plants upon which our lives depend.'
Andy Jackson, Head of Wakehurst Place

Andy Jackson

'Our partnership with Kew is evidence of the power of global collaboration.'
Professor De-Zhu Li, Kunming Institute of Botany

De-Zhulia

'It is the people at Kew who fill me with optimism for the future.'
Marcus Agius, Chairman, RBG, Kew and Kew Foundation

Marcus Agigus

'It’s a real privilege to show people the Gardens and explain our important work to them.'
Valerie Munro, Volunteer Guide

Valerie Manroe

'25 years since politics halted the project we are finally able to start work again in Iraq.'
Dr Shahina Ghazanfar, Herbarium Temperate Manager

Shahina

'I have been able to help to save the world’s smallest water lily from extinction.'
Carlos Magdalena, Collections, Horticulture

Breathing Planet People

'Kew’s science can harness the usefulness of plants for mankind.'
Professor Monique Simmonds, Deputy Keeper, Jodrell Laboratory

Breathing Planet People

Did You Know?

 1/3

 

One third of the Earth's habitats have been damaged by humans

 400,000

 

There are roughly 400,000 species of plants on earth

 1/4


One in four prescription drugs come from nature

 3/4


Three out of four people in the world rely on plants for healthcare

 50%


Kew works with 50% of the FTSE 100 companies

 800


Kew works with more than 800 organisations in over 100 countries

 30,000


Some 30,000 species grow on Kew's two sites

 40,000


Kew holds 40,000 plant DNA specimens

 1,250,000


Kew's fungarium holds 1.25 million specimens

 1/5

 

One in 5 plant species is at risk of extinction

About Kew Foundation

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