Winterbourne House and Garden welcomes BBC Gardeners’ Question Time
National Radio 4 programme to highlight biodiversity, sustainability and horticultural expertise at the University of Birmingham.
The iconic Japanese Bridge at Winterbourne House and Garden.
BBC Radio 4’s much-loved Gardeners’ Question Time will come to the University of Birmingham on Wednesday 17 June, bringing a national spotlight to Winterbourne House and Garden and the University’s wider work around biodiversity, sustainability, and environmental research.
The rare surviving example of an early 20th-century suburban villa and garden has been selected by the BBC for the pre-record of two shows for the world’s longest-running gardening programme, which has been answering listeners’ horticultural queries since 1947.
As a historic green space, a centre for horticultural learning, and a living example of the University’s sustainability ambitions, the upcoming event provides an opportunity to showcase the unique role Winterbourne House and Garden plays within the University and surrounding communities. Through its Biodiversity Plan, the University is working to raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity and create greener, more connected spaces across campus that support both wildlife and wellbeing. Winterbourne plays a key role in this through its gardens, public events, learning programmes and sustainable horticultural practices.
A canvas of colour at Winterbourne's Sandstone Rock Garden.
Lee Hale has been Head of Winterbourne House and Garden for almost 13 years and led the house's transformation from a University conference space to a heritage visitor attraction and botanic garden. Commenting on the appeal of Winterbourne as a host to BBC’s Gardeners’ Question Time, he said:
“Winterbourne’s rich history, botanical collections and beautiful green spaces make it a truly special place, and we feel very fortunate to be able to care for and share this important environmental and cultural asset with everyone, seven days a week.
“Winterbourne has been growing in popularity in recent years as it provides a stunning seven-and-a-half-acre haven for relaxation, learning and connection with nature right in the heart of the UK's second city.
“With concerted efforts to enhance biodiversity through sympathetic and sustainable horticultural techniques, Winterbourne's role within the local community continues to grow, sharing good practice where we can, and learning from others along the way.”
Supporting greener spaces across campus
The University’s Biodiversity Plan includes ambitions to enhance habitats across campus, support pollinators and increase biodiversity through species-rich planting and better ecological connectivity.
At Winterbourne, that work can already be seen through pollinator-friendly planting, sustainable gardening techniques and the care of its historic gardens and living collections. An annual programme of engaging events also brings further awareness to the property, including the upcoming Summer of Bees campaign, which will celebrate the importance of pollinators through a series of themed events and activities, culminating in the annual Birmingham Honey Show later this year.
Winterbourne has been growing in popularity in recent years as it provides a stunning seven-and-a-half-acre haven for relaxation, learning and connection with nature right in the heart of the UK's second city. With concerted efforts to enhance biodiversity through sympathetic and sustainable horticultural techniques, Winterbourne's role within the local community continues to grow, sharing good practice where we can and learning from others along the way.
From local gardens to global research
Winterbourne’s work sits alongside the University’s internationally recognised environmental research, including work undertaken by the Birmingham Institute of Forest Research (BiFOR), which explores how forests respond to climate and environmental change and contributes to global understanding of ecosystem resilience. The University’s wider environmental and public engagement work will also feature at the RHS Malvern Spring Festival and Gardeners’ World Live at the NEC, where broadcaster and University alumna Professor Alice Roberts and Professor David Stevens have designed the headline show garden. The Garden of Evolution will enable visitors to walk through a living landscape of primitive plants, creatures, and the beginnings of human life.
Growing horticultural skills
The botanic garden recently welcomed new Head Gardener Paul Cook, who joined earlier this year. As an RHS Qualifications Approved Centre, Winterbourne offers opportunities for learning and professional development. RHS-accredited horticultural courses and certificates in garden design and floristry, due to commence this September, have just gone on sale.
Event information
The Gardeners’ Question Time recording will take place in the Elgar Concert Hall at the Bramall Music Building, a short walk from Winterbourne on the Edgbaston campus. Doors will open at 5.00pm on 17 June for audience members wishing to submit questions to the expert panel, with recording beginning at 6.00pm. Refreshments will be available before the event, including complimentary hot drinks for ticket holders. For more information, contact the team at Winterbourne House and Garden.