Since its foundation, Cambridge University Botanic Garden has been a focus and stimulus for science in the University.
This research showcase aims to engage visitors to the Garden with the relatively unexplored, yet vital relationships between plants and below ground organisms. Plants would not have been able to emerge onto land approximately 470 million years ago, without the help of mycorrhizae and most plants surviving today are still dependent on their fungal partners in various ways.
Since its foundation, Cambridge University Botanic Garden has been a focus and stimulus for science in the University.
This research showcase aims to engage visitors to the Garden with the relatively unexplored, yet vital relationships between plants and below ground organisms. Plants would not have been able to emerge onto land approximately 470 million years ago, without the help of mycorrhizae and most plants surviving today are still dependent on their fungal partners in various ways.
The Botanic Garden will be launching a new adult trail to celebrate this milestone. This trail will highlight the plants that have unique adaptations for extracting and storing chemical elements, in their immediate environment, used for growth, reproduction, defence and communication. Pick up your trail leaflet at the ticket office and explore the fascinating world of plant chemistry around the Garden.
15+
Dr Ray Wightman, Imaging Core Facilities Manager: Sainsbury Laboratory Cambridge University
Alpine plants are designed to cope with the harsh environments that come with living in mountainous regions, resulting in some special features that are not normally seen in other plants. As well as adding beautiful colour to hillsides in the spring, they have some amazing microstructures that scientists are only just beginning to discover.
Since its foundation, Cambridge University Botanic Garden has been a focus and stimulus for science in the University.
This research showcase aims to engage visitors to the Garden with the relatively unexplored, yet vital relationships between plants and below ground organisms. Plants would not have been able to emerge onto land approximately 470 million years ago, without the help of mycorrhizae and most plants surviving today are still dependent on their fungal partners in various ways.
Join us for an evening where researchers from the Department of Earth Sciences introduce you to a group of mysterious ancient organisms from over 550 million years ago. Discover the first complex multi-cell, soft bodied creatures; the enigmatic Ediacaran biota, which include representatives of some of the oldest known animals on Earth.
15+
An estimated 80% of all the litter in our oceans is plastic, with a significant concentration of plastics debris in both polar oceans. The impact of this debris on the sensitive polar ecosystem could be profound. Dr Clara Manno explores the current research and existing situation in the polar regions.
Suitable for ages 15+, spaces are free but must be booked in advance.
Join Elizabeth Allen of CCI as she introduces the initiative and the organisations working together for the natural world.
The galleries will be open until 19.30 for visitors to explore after the talk.
Learn how this research is beginning to help us understand why many of the migratory birds that breed in the UK are experiencing rapid population declines. No need to book.
Booking essential.
