Where is Wakehurst Place?

Wakehurst Place, Kew's country garden, is in Ardingly, West Sussex. You can find out more about Wakehurst Place at www.kew.org/places/wakehurst

What is the Loder Valley Nature Reserve and can I gain access?

The Loder Valley Nature Reserve is an area adjacent to Wakehurst Place which comprises nearly 150 acres of woodland, wetland and meadowland. It is of great conservation importance, and access is limited to 50 people a day and by permit only. Find out more about visiting the Loder Valley Nature Reserve at www.kew.org/places/
wakehurst/zone_lodervalley.html

Why does Kew also have Wakehurst Place?

Kew has leased Wakehurst Place from the National Trust since 1965. The different environment and soil provide a far wider range of growing conditions than are found at Kew. Wakehurst Place is also a focus for conservation, not only with the natural areas but also in the Millennium Seed Bank.

What are bryophytes?

You can find out more about bryophytes at www.kew.org/plants/
bryophytes.html

What techniques have been used in the conservation of the moss?

Traditionally ex situ conservation techniques (outside the natural environment) have not been used on wild plants. Kew initially focussed on standard methods for the collection, sterilisation, tissue culture and cryopreservation material. Methods are now being developed for the reintroduction of specific species into the natural environment.

How successful has the project been?

Of the original samples only two grew in the natural environment. Much has been learnt from this.

Can I collect seeds for Kew?

Kew's seed collecting is carried out according to CITES regulations and in agreement with our global partners. The Convention was established with the aim of controlling and monitoring the international trade in plants and animals considered to be threatened, or likely to become threatened, and affected by such trade. Generally, the Convention does not prohibit the international trade in listed species, but seeks to prevent the unsustainable exploitation of wild populations of plants and animals. See www.kew.org/conservation and www.kew.org/msbp/msbfaq

Can I view the Millennium Seed Bank?

The Welcome Trust Millennium Building, home to the Millennium Seed Bank, also includes a display for visitors. It is possible to see some of the scientists at work. The vaults are not open to the public.

Why is the Millennium Seed Bank known as an insurance policy?

Seeds are stored against future possible extinction. This is with agreement of our partner countries. Seeds can only be reintroduced or distributed with their agreement. Seeds may be made available for research or conservation projects but are not available for distribution to the general public.

Why does the Millennium Seedbank work with Project Partners?

The Convention on Biodiversity recognises the sovereign rights of states over their own biological resources and the authority of national governments to determine access to genetic resources. The partnerships honour this agreement through an access and benefit sharing agreement. Kew can provide expertise and resources and the partners local knowledge and seed.

What work is the Millennium Seedbank doing with Burkina Faso?

You can find out more about our work in Burkina Faso at www.kew.org/msbp/
internat/burkina.html

Who is Dale Chihuly?

Dale Chihuly is a leading figure in contemporary glass and has exhibited extensively in the United States and internationally, from Venice to Jerusalem, Iceland to Japan. In 2001, there was a major exhibition of his work in the V&A. Find out more at www.kew.org/chihuly/artist

How long does Gardens of Glass: Chihuly at Kew run for?

Gardens of Glass: Chihuly at Kew runs from 28 May 2005 - 15 January 2006. The Exhibition is included as part of Kew's entrance price.

Do the installations have a wow factor at night?

We think so. You can judge for yourself if you come to one of our Autumn Nights evenings, from 22-26 October inclusive. Find out more at www.kew.org/chihuly/
events/autumn.html

How can I find out more about Gardens of Glass: Chihuly at Kew?

There is more information on our dedicated website - www.kew.org/chihuly

Where is The Sun?

The Sun is in the north end of the Princess of Wales Conservatory

How long did it take to construct The Sun?

It took about 4 days, and you can see some timelapse footage of the whole process on our website at www.kew.org/chihuly
/exhibition/timelapse.html

What was the clematis from the Temperate House?

It is Clematis longicauda and comes from East Africa.

Why does Kew enter the RHS Shows?

This gives us the opportunity of showcasing plants that are not usually grown in cultivation.

Where is the Jade Vine?

The jade vine is in the Palm House and you can find out more about it at www.kew.org/plants/jadevine.html