University joins forces with Botanical Gardens to explore the power of plants

Two of Birmingham’s most celebrated institutions have formed a groundbreaking partnership to promote the benefits of plants on people, places, and the planet.

Birmingham City University (BCU) and Birmingham Botanical Gardens (BBG) will collaborate on innovative opportunities for learning and research, while enhancing the health and wellbeing of both staff and students.

“This partnership reflects our shared vision of combining education, innovation, and community engagement to make a tangible difference to our city and beyond,” said Professor David Mba, BCU’s vice-chancellor.

“When the University launched its 'Rooted in Birmingham’ strategy late last year, we made a firm commitment to collaborate with key institutions on innovative projects, with a view to co-creating regional prosperity focused on health and wellbeing.

“This collaboration with Birmingham Botanical Gardens is a demonstration of that commitment and marks the ideal start to 2025. I am excited to see what we can achieve together.”

Sara Blair-Manning, chief executive of BBG, said: “We are thrilled to collaborate with Birmingham City University.

“This partnership will foster exciting new research, events, and opportunities for both institutions. We can’t wait to see the incredible initiatives that will emerge.”

Confirming BCU’s position as its Strategic Learning Partner, BBG also announced that Professor Mba is to become a Patron of the Gardens.

“It’s a great honour and I will look to support the Gardens at every opportunity,” said Professor Mba. “I also look forward to spending more time there.”

BCU and BBG have been central to the city’s civic and cultural life since the 19th century. Their collaboration will focus on five key areas.

• Enhancing Wellbeing: BCU staff and students will have access to BBG, supporting their physical and mental health through the restorative power of nature.
• Collaboration: Joint projects will explore the role of plants in addressing global challenges, from health and sustainability to urban greening and innovation.
• Community Engagement: Shared initiatives will connect BBG and BCU with the people of Birmingham, fostering deeper ties between education, culture, and nature.
• Creative Exploration: Students and researchers will have the chance to engage with unique plant resources, to use for innovative projects in areas like sustainable fashion.
• Partnership Benefits: By aligning their missions, both organisations will support enriching experiences for learning, discovery, and cultural growth.

Located in Edgbaston, just a short distance from BCU’s City South Campus, BBG is the ‘green heart’ of Birmingham, offering a uniquely bio-diverse natural environment.

The 15-acre Grade II listed landscape, which houses one of the UK’s most significant historic Botanic Gardens, has remained remarkably intact since 1829. The Gardens are home to more than 10,000 plants, the largest collection of its kind in the Midlands.

The Gardens also lead a highly regarded educational programme, welcoming more than 20,000 students annually for hands-on learning experiences.

Pictured (L-R): BCU vice-chancellor Professor David Mba and BBG CEO Sara Blair-Manning. Credit: Birmingham City University