Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Glasshouses West Midlands

Here at Birmingham Botanical Gardens, we offer a `school trip` like no other. You can explore our unique glasshouses and experience an authentic rainforest adventure! Then, walk straight from experiencing hot and humid tropical conditions into a desert climate and observe the changes to plants due to the seasons. Then, wander down to our new Alpine Yard and Rock Garden to marvel at the beautiful flora found on the Tundra.

The Gardens contain over 7,000 different plants from all around the world. Experience the humidity and smells of the Tropical House, look (but don’t touch!) with wonder at the carnivorous plants in the Subtropical House, admire the fruits and flowers of the Mediterranean House, and marvel at the bizarre and fascinating ways that cacti have developed to protect themselves in the harsh environment of the world’s deserts (Arid House). Don’t forget to allow plenty of time, in addition, to wander around the stunning grounds seeing the giant Koi Carp and Victorian Cascade in the Rock Garden, be amazed by the National Bonsai Collection in our Japanese Garden, be fascinated by our exotic bird collection from all over the world, play on our amazing new Treetops Adventure playground and, you never know, bump into our free-roaming peacocks!

Why are plants important for all life on Earth? From which plant can both clothing and houses be made? How do bananas and pineapples grow? Why is white chocolate white, but milk chocolate brown? Why do cactus plants look so strange? Why does deforestation affect us all? What is a tenrec? Find out the answer to these questions and many more, as your pupils explore our 4 spectacular glasshouses and 15 acres of flourishing gardens.

We provide a unique service, both to schools, colleges and nurseries in term-time, but also to uniformed groups (e.g. brownies, scouts, cubs), holiday clubs and youth groups at weekends and during school holidays. Allow us to share the knowledge and experience we have gained over nearly 200 years in our expertly-taught, cross-curricular teaching sessions that will be tailor-made to your age group and topic. Or opt for a self-guided visit where teachers can lead their own activities.

The Gardens has a LOtC Quality Badge, as well as a Department for Education `Growing Schools Garden` accreditation and an affiliation with the Children’s University. The Gardens are also a VisitEngland Quality Assured Visitor Attraction.

The Birmingham Botanical Gardens is thoroughly deserving of its first Sandford Award in recognition of the impressive quality of both the formal and informal learning experiences it offers to its visitors. Its imaginative and innovative approach to exploiting the educational potential of this nationally significant site is commendable and has resulted in the development of a multi-faceted and extraordinarily diverse programme of activities with wide-ranging appeal. The enthusiasm and expertise of its education team and their ability to bring the natural world to life using intelligently designed learning materials has been integral to this programme’s success.

We have over 20 cross-curricular teaching sessions to choose from, that are specifically aimed at the different key stages, and all of which link to the National Curriculum. As examples, there is Animal Handling` for EYFS, `Sensational Science` for KS1, `Plant Growth` for KS2, `Natural Art` for KS3 and `Rainforest Challenge` for KS4.

You can also choose to visit on a self-guided basis, where teachers can plan and lead their own day.

Up to 6 classes per day (180 pupils).

Each teaching session has its own designated resources, genuine artefacts, and real plants and animals.

There are a wide range of resources (e.g. trails, quizzes, activity packs) freely available to download from our website, which teachers can use on the day of their visit, or in the classroom before or after their visit.

There are also Activity Packs available to hire for use in your self-guided time. Each is suitable for use with KS1 children upwards, and though primarily associated with Science, Geography and/or Music, they can also link to the English, Maths, History and Art curricula as well.

Please take and share as freely as you like.

Risk assessments are available from our website. Group leaders are also welcome to a free pre-visit to plan activities and conduct their own risk assessments etc. once a visit has been booked.

Please contact the Education team on 0121 450 5093 or education@birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk.

Education Manager: James Jarvis

Off-Peak (August – January)

• Self-guided entry – £7 per student
• Entry with one teaching session – £8 per student

Peak (February – July)

• Self-guided entry – £8.50 per student
• Entry with one teaching session – £9.50 per student
• Entry with two teaching sessions – £19 per student

Accompanying Adults

• Just £3 each

Nothing specific, other than to wear weather-appropriate clothing (pupils and staff) that may get wet and muddy.

Groups are requested to bring their own trained first aider, as one may not be available at the time of your visit. First aid equipment is located within easy reach of educational groups, though we recommend bringing your own first aid equipment too.

Shop – pupils are welcome to visit and can cater for any budget. Goody bags can also be arranged if teachers prefer not to visit the shop but still want to make a purchase.

Pavilion Tea Room – pupils and teachers can obtain meals, snacks and drinks.

A covered lunch space will be provided for visiting groups (if requested on the booking form). `Picnics` are also permitted anywhere in the grounds (other than the Pavilion Tea Room or its outdoor seating).

The whole site is suitable for disabled visitors, including wheelchair access and toilets.

The Botanical Gardens are open every day (except Christmas Day and Boxing Day) from 10am.

Teaching sessions are available any time during opening hours – please contact us for availability (0121 450 5093 / education@birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk).

These can be found at: https://www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk/education/teacher-pupil-testimonials/

The Botanical Gardens hold school holiday events throughout the seasons (https://www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk/whatson/), which can be visited independently, or with your school if it has different term dates.