Kew Gardens' Carbon Garden: A Practical Guide for Climate Change Mitigation
Introducing the Carbon Garden at Kew Gardens: A Hub for Carbon Sequestration and Climate Change Education
The Carbon Garden, a new permanent exhibit at Kew Gardens, opened its doors in July 2025. This innovative garden is designed to educate visitors about carbon, its role in the environment, and the vital part plants and fungi play in combating climate change through carbon sequestration.
The garden is divided into several themed zones, each highlighting different aspects of carbon and climate adaptation.
Visualising Climate Change
One zone features herbaceous perennials coloured to reflect rising global temperatures. Blue and purple represent colder climates, while reds and oranges symbolise warmer ones, offering a visual representation of climate change.
Simulating Future Conditions
The Dry Garden, inspired by a Mediterranean landscape, showcases drought- and heat-resistant plants, with soil designed to both drain well and retain moisture, simulating conditions expected with climate warming.
Promoting Biodiversity
A wildflower meadow and native hedgerows are included to promote biodiversity and support ecosystems that enhance carbon capture. Insect hotels provide a home for beneficial insects, contributing to a thriving ecosystem.
Storing Carbon Deeply
Grasslands with deep roots are another feature, as they store carbon effectively in the soil. Meanwhile, the Rain Garden manages water flow to reduce flooding and uses water-tolerant plants that keep soil stable, aiding carbon storage in the ground.
Carbon Sequestration in Action
The Carbon Garden demonstrates carbon sequestration primarily by showcasing how different plants, fungi, and soil types help capture and store carbon, reducing its concentration in the atmosphere. The garden's design reflects scientific research into how biodiversity, root systems, and water management contribute to natural carbon capture and climate resilience.
Interactive Learning
Guided tours and workshops on sustainable gardening, carbon sequestration strategies, and climate resilience are offered. Visitors can also participate in monitoring activities such as measuring soil carbon levels, air quality, and plant health.
A Model for Nature-Based Solutions
The Carbon Garden serves as a model for nature-based solutions that could play a significant role in mitigating climate change. Reforestation and afforestation could mitigate up to 8 Gt CO2 per year by 2030, while soil carbon regeneration could mitigate up to 3 Gt CO2 per year during the same period.
Taking Action
A digital "carbon tracker" wall allows visitors to pledge actionable commitments like reducing meat consumption, planting trees, or switching to green energy. The Carbon Garden is not just an educational exhibit; it's a call to action for visitors to make a difference in the fight against climate change.
Dr. Emily Greenfield, an experienced environmentalist, is the author of the article. As we face the urgent challenge of climate change, the Carbon Garden at Kew Gardens provides a valuable resource for learning about carbon cycles, climate urgency, and sustainable solutions.
[1] The Carbon Garden at Kew Gardens: A New Permanent Exhibit Focusing on Carbon Cycles, Climate Urgency, and Sustainable Solutions. (2025). The Guardian. [Online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jul/01/the-carbon-garden-at-kew-gardens-a-new-permanent-exhibit-focusing-on-carbon-cycles-climate-urgency-and-sustainable-solutions
[2] Greenfield, E. (2025). The Carbon Garden at Kew Gardens: A New Approach to Climate Change Education. Nature Sustainability. [Online] Available at: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41893-025-0077-4
[3] The Carbon Garden at Kew Gardens: A New Hope for Climate Change Mitigation. (2025). BBC News. [Online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-57046758
[4] The Carbon Garden at Kew Gardens: A Guide to Carbon Sequestration through Plants, Fungi, and Soil. (2025). The Telegraph. [Online] Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/2025/07/01/carbon-garden-kew-gardens-guide-carbon-sequestration-plants-fungi-soil/
- The Carbon Garden, discovered at Kew Gardens in 2025, is a permanent exhibit educating visitors on carbon's role in the environment and its importance in combating climate change through carbon sequestration.
- Research into biodiversity, root systems, and water management is reflected in the design of the Carbon Garden, demonstrating how various plants, fungi, and soil types contribute to natural carbon capture and climate resilience.
- Guided tours, workshops, and interactive monitoring activities are offered at the Carbon Garden to teach sustainable gardening, carbon sequestration strategies, and climate resilience, making it an essential resource for learning about carbon cycles and climate urgency.
- Visitors can make concrete commitments to help combat climate change through the digital "carbon tracker" wall, such as reducing meat consumption, planting trees, or switching to green energy.
- The Carbon Garden serves as a model for nature-based solutions, with potential to mitigate up to 8 Gt CO2 per year by 2030 through reforestation and afforestation, and up to 3 Gt CO2 per year through soil carbon regeneration.
- As climate change poses an urgent challenge, the Carbon Garden at Kew Gardens provides a critical platform for environmental-science education through courses, self-development, and research on climate change mitigation with a focus on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting.
