On 5 August 2023, our Diverse Heritage project supported an intergenerational group of women and young people from the African and Caribbean Women’s Association to go on a guided tour of the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh. During the walk, the group learned about the history, heritage, and ecology of the site.
The Edinburgh gardens are the second oldest botanic garden in the UK, founded in 1670, and today include more than 13,500 species of plant from all over the world. Botanical collections like this offer a leafy escape into natural heritage in the midst of an urban environment. As well as being a historic site in their own right, they also let us explore the history of colonial connections and collecting practices.
An attendee said: “I enjoyed today’s trip! It was nice to take a small break from the bustling city and go on a small walk in the gardens. Taking pictures also made the trip feel more aesthetically pleasing and relaxing. I wish to do more stuff like this, especially considering how calming the lakes sounded as we would walk by and take some photos.”