Photo: the Palm House, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. © Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, has been awarded World Heritage Site status by UNESCO, it was announced on July 4.

UNESCO’s recognition cites Kew expertise in the science and utilisation of plants, the remarkable collections from all over the world, and Kew’s importance in the history and development of garden landscapes.

“At Kew, ground-breaking science and vital conservation work is only made possible by a wonderfully rich heritage,” said Professor Peter Crane, Director of Kew.

“Not only do the gardens provide opportunities for public enjoyment and enrichment, but the behind-the-scenes scientific work based on unrivalled collections is important to help maintain the environment for future generations.”

Photo: © Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Kew represents over 250 years of historical landscape. The site houses over 40 listed buildings and other structures including the Palm House, Temperate House, Orangery and Pagoda. There are also two ancient monuments, Queen Charlotte's Cottage and Kew Palace, managed by Historic Royal Palaces.

“Being awarded World Heritage Site status is hugely exciting for us,” said Professor Crane. “It is a stamp of approval that puts us in the company of the best of the best and it brings with it increased prestige and public awareness. But most importantly, it embodies a commitment to maintain an organisation and place that is truly special – and world class.”

Photo: © Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

With its new status, Kew joins other sites of outstanding universal value across the world from the Taj Mahal to the Tower of London.

Speaking at the time of the announcement, DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) Minister Lord Whitty said "This deserved accolade further underlines Kew's unrivalled global reputation for its collections of plants and its scientific work. The gardens give pleasure to a million visitors each year while contributing on a major scale to the conservation and understanding of biodiversity. World Heritage Site status will raise even higher the profile of Kew's unique and important role."

Kew is a major international visitor attraction and is located in 132 hectares of landscaped gardens. Last year more than one million people visited the gardens, including more than 122,000 children who visited with their parents or in school groups.

Kew attaches great importance to education: specifically education about environment and sustainability, which is a key objective for DEFRA. This is also the focus of Kew’s largest ever summer festival ‘Go Wild’, which is currently running at the gardens as well as Kew’s other estate at Wakehurst Place, West Sussex.