The volunteers are the backbone of the University’s much-celebrated public garden, with many having devoted more than 20 years to helping with everything from gardening and guiding visitors to helping at events, helping with refreshments’ and leaflet distribution.
Their award will be marked by a celebratory garden party on 4 July, where the volunteers will be joined by Professor Hugh Brady, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bristol. They will later receive a signed certificate from the Lord Lieutenant, Peaches Golding, along with an English Crystal with the official QAVS logo insignia.
Botanic Garden Curator Nick Wray said: “The Botanic Garden would not be able to develop and function without the huge amount of support we get from our teams of volunteers. They come to us from all walks of life and it’s a pleasure seeing them working together united by a collective effort to develop the Botanic Garden and share information about the importance and diversity of plants.”
Chairman of the Friends of the Botanic Garden, Pat Davie, will attend a celebratory garden party at Buckingham Palace on 5 June with Nick Wray. She has been a volunteer for 20 years and said: “It is so rewarding to be part of the Botanic Garden in its continued development as a major educational resource and destination. This award is a wonderful way to recognise the hard work and dedication of our volunteers who help the small number of staff achieve an amazing number of activities.”
Professor Jane Memmott, Director of the Botanic Garden, added: "The Friends and volunteers of the Botanic Garden allow us to run a Botanic Garden we could only dream of otherwise; their skill, dedication and enthusiasm are second to none.”
The 1.66-hectare garden features many exotic species set in inspirational displays against the backdrop of a striking Victorian house. It has been designed to tell stories about plant evolution and its collections include Mediterranean flora, and rare and threatened natives. The glasshouses are home to the Giant Amazon Waterlily, tropical fruit, medicinal plants, orchids, cacti and a unique Sacred Lotus collection.
Find out more about its displays and plan your visit at: www.bristol.ac.uk/botanic-garden