Kew Gardens and Wakehurst are helping people connect with nature digitally

Despite closing on Sunday, March 22, Virtual Kew will offer visuals of its collections as well as fun facts and home activities as springtime bursts into bloom.

The website will feature downloadable learning resources to support teachers, parents and pupils working at home.

Launched in 2018, Endeavour is an online resource available to all UK schools and while schools are closed, Kew’s learning team has created downloadable resources for teachers to send directly to their pupils for learning at home.

Parents can also access these homework packs for their children if their school isn’t signed up to Endeavour.

A spokesman said: “Each resource is curriculum linked, with introductory videos featuring RBG Kew staff including our scientists, and fun challenges to get pupils thinking creatively about science and the world around them.

“To allow people to digitally escape the confinement of their homes and enter the weird and wonderful world of plants and fungi, Kew will be sharing daily content on its digital channels.

“From content generated by staff on the ground, up in the treetops and inside the glasshouses, to blogs, beautiful images and videos from both sites, they will try to connect with a community of nature-loving individuals and renew people’s appreciation for the outdoors.”

There will be phone wallpapers, quizzes and tips for promoting wellbeing through nature.

For those looking to pick up a book or botanical homeware, the Kew online shop is a a treasure trove.

There will also be opportunities to hear the stories of key staff still working to care for the gardens.

Richard Deverell, director of Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, said: “In these unprecedented and uncertain times, we want to continue to share the beauty of the plants and landscapes at this time of year with as many people as possible.

“We encourage anyone who might have visited this springtime, or perhaps have never visited, to explore both our sites virtually.

“We’ll have daily updates on our digital channels from the brilliant team of key workers who continue to look after our collections, so they are in good shape when we are able to open our doors once again.

“In the meantime, may I thank everyone for their good wishes and continuing support.”

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