The funds will support training, grounds management, and educational initiatives to preserve the historic 32-acre Botanical Gardens located in Paget.
New ways of funding the upkeep and development of the Botanical Gardens in Paget. could be in the pipeline, according to Public Works Minister Lt. Col. David Burch.
The Bermuda Botanical Society has entered into an M.O.U with the government to support the gardens through grants, corporate sponsorships, donations, and community group fundraising efforts.
Public Works Minister Lt. Col. David Burch said the MOU provides access to a wider range of funding sources for projects to improve the historic land.
During a news conference on Tuesday, he explained the idea to enter into an M.O.U. was born out of the National Gardens Plan 2022 – 2026.
Part of that plan includes a mandate to bridge a stronger partnership with the Bermuda Botanical Society and keeping public costs low while exploring new funding methods.
The 32-acre Botanical Gardens in Paget had fallen into disrepair over the years.
Minister Burch said, “The MOU establishes the Bermuda Botanical Society as the Bermuda Botanical Gardens Registered Charity holding grants and privately donated funds to be disbursed on the direction of the Department / Ministry and solely for agreed Bermuda Botanical Gardens improvement projects, assets or initiatives described in the MOU scope of works.”
“This agreement modernises the Gardens’ funding model,” he added.
Minister Burch stressed that under the agreement the Department of Parks remains fully responsible for the maintenance of the gardens.
The difference now is the Society will have more options to finance projects such as past contributions to renovate the Horticultural Hall and Visitor’s centre.
The investments will go towards training, management, restoration, research and educational initiatives to enhance the work the Department of Parks and the Botanical Society already do.
The Society tends to the Garden’s Native and Endemic Plant Collection home of the Olivewood and the Palmetto and a key supporter of the site since their formation in 1985.
President Jennifer Flood said with additional funding, the gardens can play larger part in conservation efforts.
At this time, they are not actively fundraising however, the Government’s landscape architect, Danny Simmons is currently sourcing grant opportunities.
Ms. Flood said it will be awhile before the public will see upgrades in the gardens until foundational work is completed after funds are secured.
The Botanical Society relies entirely on volunteers to encourage the study and promotion of the botanical sciences within Bermuda.
The botanical gardens is also most notably known as the home of the annual Agricultural Exhibition
