Enriching And Engaging Educational Visits

Home to over 5,000 different plant species, Oxford Botanic Gardens are the UK's oldest botanic garden. Founded in 1621, the Garden’s commitment to educating people about the importance of plants, conserving and conservation and supporting research and teaching into this is second to none. 

The Arboretum was acquired by the University of Oxford in 1947 and has been part of gardens since 1963. It contains the finest collection of trees in Oxfordshire, including some of the world's rarest species, all set within 130 acres of historic and picturesque landscape. 

The Garden is a year-round oasis of biodiversity, right in the heart of the city, and our students relished the excellent opportunity to further explore the Human Impact on our planet, looking at plant biodiversity and the risk factors of extinction. Learning too about genetic diversity, gene pools, and genetic erosion in species, as well as conservation.

Students also discussed the social, economic and physical factors of different conservation strategies -all key final year topics. 

A huge thanks to Su McRae and her department for securing this important visit. Enriching and engaging educational visits are an excellent opportunity for students to explore new places, cultures, and ideas outside of the classroom and provide real world context to topics and lesson, all of which can help encourage personal and social development.