Earthwise: Kew’s summer programme

Aged 14 to 17? Join other young people from across London to learn all about ecology, biodiversity and conservation at our week-long summer programme.

Young people with notepads listening to a tutor in a greenhouse

Do you know your calyx from your corolla? Or which species of trees store the most carbon? Can you identify a stinkhorn?  

Earthwise: Kew’s Summer Programme will take place at the beginning of August and is open to young people across London aged 14 to 17.

Throughout the week, young people will participate in fieldwork workshops, conduct their own research, explore the ‘living laboratories’ of Kew and Wakehurst and hear from Kew experts in biodiversity science and conservation.  

Two young people inspecting specimens in a pot
Earthwise © RBG Kew

The programme 

Young people will have the chance to:  

  • Design and conduct their own scientific research into biodiversity and ecosystem health at a leading cultural and scientific institution 

  • Develop practical fieldwork skills whilst learning about the environment 

  • Explore the world-renowned plant and fungal collections at Kew Gardens and Wakehurst 

  • Hear from distinguished scientists and conservationists 

  • Strengthen their connection to the natural world 

  • Enrich their CV for use in applications for jobs, colleges and universities 

How to get involved 

Earthwise: Kew’s Summer Programme will run on two consecutive weeks at the beginning of August 2022. There are 20 places available for each week. Each day will run from 10am to 3.30 pm.

Young people can choose to apply for either of the following weeks: 

  • Monday 31 July to Friday 4 August 2023

  • Monday 7 August to Friday 11 August  2023

Earthwise is free to attend and all sessions will include lunch and snacks. Participants are also able to claim travel expenses of up to £13.90 per day. 

Applicants must live in the Greater London area and will need written consent from a parent or guardian to attend. 

To apply, please complete the online application form. The deadline for applications is Friday 12 May 2023.  

Applicants will also need to ask a teacher, or other responsible adult (not a family member) to provide a reference to support their application to the programme, using the reference form. 

We are aiming to offer places to young people who will benefit most from the programme, including those who might not have previously visited Kew or had similar opportunities in the past.

If you are currently taking relevant GCSEs or A Levels, or are studying another related qualification, please do make sure this is stated in your application under ‘why you want to attend’.

We will let applicants know whether they have been successful by Friday 16 June 2023.  

If you have any queries regarding this programme, please contact youth@kew.org