A major upgrade at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh has seen thousands of reinforced glass panels installed to protect delicate tropical and alpine plants from the harsh Scottish winters. The new structures shield rare species like ferns, cycads, and heathers from the violent storms and gales that frequently shatter weaker glass panels, forcing staff to evacuate greenhouses when winds exceed 30mph. While the project marks a significant improvement after years of development, officials emphasize that further work remains to ensure long-term resilience against extreme weather. The transformation highlights the ongoing battle to preserve biodiversity in the face of unpredictable climate conditions.
After five years of work, 5,750 panels of toughened glass will help keep hundred of plants safe from Scottish winters – but more work needs to be doneIn the early autumn sunlight, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh’s extensive plant collection appears safe in their glass enclosures. But danger lurks from above for the tropical ferns, cycads and rare alpine heathers.Soon the September sunshine will give way to the storms and gales of the Scottish winter, which can bring hundreds of glass panels crashing to the greenhouse floor on the windiest days. Nobody is allowed inside when the wind is above 30mph. Continue reading...
