News published: 10 December 2025

Resilient Roots – The Bgen Conference 2026 (online)

Join the Botanic Gardens Education Network (Bgen) for its online conference (Resilient Roots) taking place on 28 & 29 January 2026.

The event will bring together professionals from across the botanic garden, environmental, and education sectors to share learning, exchange ideas, and strengthen connections.

This year’s theme, Resilient Roots, explores how we can sustain and adapt our work in changing times — drawing inspiration from nature’s resilience, collaboration, and creativity.

Over two half-days, the programme features an exciting mix of keynotes, talks, member-led lightning sessions, workshops, and discussion panels showcasing innovation from across the UK and internationally.

Conference highlights

Day One – Wednesday 28th January (Morning)

• Plenary: What does the botanic garden of the future look like? With Dr Lucy Sutherland (National Botanic Garden Wales), Prof Pete Hollingsworth (Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh), Raoul Curtis-Machin (RBG Kew), and Dr Beverley Glover (Cambridge University Botanic Garden) – chaired by Dr Paul Smith (BGCI).
• Talks: From seed banking education in Korea to Indigenous voices and outreach “Beyond the Garden Walls.”
• Member Lightning Talks showcasing innovative projects.
• Workshops: Choose from sessions on livestreaming for schools, digital tools for nature engagement, or the power of art.

Day Two – Thursday 29th January (Afternoon)

• Plenary Speaker: To be announced – an inspiring voice in environmental leadership.
• Talks: Exploring urban food strategies (Orto Botanico di Bergamo) and the role of AI in conservation (Prof Chris Sandbrook, University of Cambridge).
• Workshops: Choose from sessions on green skills development, digital engagement, or mindfulness in “The Power of the Pause.”
• Bgen AGM and Fringe Session: “Plants are total bstards”* with Dr Richard Milne (University of Edinburgh).

Who Should Attend

This event is for anyone involved in education, interpretation, public engagement, or learning within botanic gardens, environmental organisations, or nature-based settings.

International registrants are welcome!