The Botanic Garden is used extensively by the University for teaching, research and as a venue for events. The following range of courses and tours are available to members of the public.
Suitable for students of all ages and backgrounds, courses are used by students wishing to improve their general knowledge and for some as a start to a career change. Courses at the Botanic Garden are offered as study days or short two day to thirty nine week courses.
RHS Qualifications is a nationally recognised awarding body offering a range of accredited qualifications for both professional horticulturists and keen gardeners. There is a range of qualifications to meet the needs of all those wishing to develop their horticultural knowledge and skills. Although they are aimed at those wishing to acquire the skills and knowledge to pursue a career in horticulture, the qualifications are also ideal for the keen gardener who wishes to develop their horticultural knowledge and skills.
RHS Level 2 qualifications can provide a route into the horticultural profession, they can support career development for those already working in the field of horticulture or they can provide a foundation for further learning or training.
RHS Level 3 qualifications not only offer opportunities for employment but also enable you to begin to specialise in your area of interest. They can offer proficiency for those looking for employment in horticulture, they can support further career and professional development for those already working in the field, or they can provide a basis for continued learning or training.
Courses for those seeking a career in garden design are provided by the Garden Design School’s professional Garden Design Diploma led by highly accomplished, passionate designers and equips students with all of the practical, technical and commercial knowledge needed to become confident, successful garden designers.
To make a booking on a course please complete the enrolment form (PDF - 66.5KB) in full.
Tours of the Botanic Garden are a popular way for groups of ten or more people to visit and learn more about the garden. These can be enjoyed throughout the year and outside normal opening times by prior appointment.
Tours are hosted by the garden’s team of trained volunteer guides who explain about the history and work of the garden and introduce the plant collections. The garden has a primary path network built to the latest disabled access standards allowing access to all the main collections. Toilets (including disabled) are available on site. Refreshments can be available by prior arrangement.
Guided tours with the Curator are available on 5th February and 11th March 2012 at 10:30am and are free to friends; non-friends will be asked to make a donation.
To make a tour booking please contact the Garden Administrator: botanic-gardens@bristol.ac.uk or telephone 0117 3314906.
Study tours visiting gardens and plants in their natural habitat either in the UK or overseas are available from time to time in association with the Botanic Garden.
The tours are lead by the garden Curator Nicholas Wray and are offered through a special collaboration with travel operator World Odyssey.
School visits are popular and are made throughout the year, but primarily in the summer term.
Primary and secondary schools use the garden each year with staff and volunteers guiding school groups around the garden. We work closely with schools with a range of themes and ideas (PDF-77.7kB) to ensure that we deliver a tour that is relevant and inspirational in support of your studies towards the National Curriculum.
For more details on arranging a school visit please contact the garden Administrator: botanic-gardens@bristol.ac.uk , telephone 0117 3314906,or download a booking form (PDF-32.6kB). Before booking please read our guidance notes (PDF-32.6kB).
Courses on traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine and Chinese Herbs are run by The Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine utilising the Chinese Medicinal Herb Collection (part of the Useful Plants Collection). The Chinese Herb Garden is unique and attracts students from all over Europe.
More details on courses provided can be obtained from the Register.
Note: some of the documents on this page are in PDF format. In order to view a PDF you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader