Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden in Sussex, has announced a new partnership with the Clean Planet Foundation to expand its education program with the installation of a brand-new outdoor stretch tent.
The new Clean Planet Tent will enhance the current outdoor learning offer at Wakehurst, where school groups feel inspired with sessions on plant biology, wildlife, seed science, and more. This new outdoor classroom provides a purpose-built space for school groups to learn in a natural environment, as Wakehurst’s team of teachers continue to draw inspiration from the spectacular surroundings.
With the addition of this new education tent, Wakehurst will be able to host one additional class each day, allowing approximately 1,000 additional students to experience hands-on science education in the beautiful landscape.
Julie Whelan, Learning Manager at Wakehurst, expressed her excitement about the partnership, stating, “We’re thrilled to embark on this partnership with Clean Planet Foundation, a not for profit which embodies Wakehurst’s own values and mission in combatting climate change. This new learning space means we can welcome even more school children to the gardens for informative and engaging sessions, will inspiring minds of all ages.”
Wakehurst offers a diverse range of curriculum-linked education sessions for students from Early Years to A Level stages, with a dedicated team of teachers who tailor each session to meet individual requirements and students’ needs. The new Clean Planet Tent will provide a unique and stimulating environment for students to learn about science and sustainability.
Bertie Stephens, CEO of the Clean Planet Foundation, believes that this partnership will make a significant impact in educating the next generation about protecting the planet. He said, “We’re incredibly proud to partner with Wakehurst to bring the Clean Planet Tent to life. This new space will allow more young people to learn about science and sustainability surrounded by nature – the best classroom of all. At the Clean Planet Foundation, we believe real change starts with education, and this partnership with Wakehurst is a powerful step in preparing the next generation to protect our planet.”
Wakehurst has been working with schools, colleges, and universities from across the Southeast and beyond for years, welcoming over 10,000 students annually to their living laboratory. With the new Clean Planet Tent, more students will have the opportunity to learn about the importance of protecting biodiversity and taking action against climate change.
For more information, images, and interviews, please contact the Wakehurst PR team at WakehurstPR@Kew.org. To arrange a school visit or Nature Connectedness teacher training, contact wakehurstschools@kew.org. To learn more about the Clean Planet Foundation, visit Cleanplanet.com/foundation.
About Wakehurst:
Wakehurst is Kew’s wild botanic garden in the Sussex High Weald. Its ancient and beautiful landscapes span 535 acres and are a place for escape, exploration, tranquillity, and wonder. Its diverse collection of plants from Britain and around the globe thrive within a tapestry of innovative gardens, temperate woodlands, meadows, and wetlands. Wakehurst is a center for UK biodiversity and global conservation, seed research, and ecosystem science. At its heart is Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank, the world’s largest store of seeds from wild plant species.
RBG Kew receives approximately one-third of its funding from the UK government through the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and research councils. Additional funding is provided by donors, membership, and commercial activities, including ticket sales. In the first six months since implementing a new accessibility scheme for individuals on Universal Credit, Pension Credit, and Legacy Benefits, Kew has welcomed over 100,000 visitors with £1 tickets.
At the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, we are dedicated to harnessing the power of plants and fungi to end the extinction crisis and secure a future for all life on Earth. With our world-leading research, global partnerships, and beloved gardens – home to the world’s most diverse collections of plants and fungi – we are using our trusted voice to shape policy and practice worldwide. As a charity, we rely on the critical support of our visitors, not only to sustain the gardens but also to protect global plant and fungal biodiversity for the benefit of our planet and humanity.
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About the Clean Planet Foundation:
The Clean Planet Foundation is a UK-based not-for-profit organization dedicated to tackling plastic pollution, advancing climate education, and empowering communities through science, storytelling, and action. From the HAPSIE comic series for budding eco-warriors to the Seed Collection Project in partnership with Trees for Life, and the BBC-featured Peninsula Project, CPF aims to connect people with nature and drive systemic change from the ground up.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.