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The University of Oxford Botanic Garden and Harcourt Arboretum (OBGHA) is the oldest botanic garden in the British Isles. Today the plants curated form a collection more diverse and comprehensive than at any time since its founding in 1621. The aim for the future is to build on this success and develop signature plant collections of local, national and international importance

Although the plant collections have changed dramatically, and regularly, over the course of history, our role remains the same:

  "To communicate the importance and value of plant diversity to as wide an audience possible"

The plants grown at OBGHA support this mission, and are used for Widening Engagement, Education & Research

Collection audits have shown that our existing Geographical Plant Collections do not meet these needs, and are underexploited compared with other collections at OBGHA.

Consequently, these collections will be redeveloped to emphasise Biodiversity Hotspots, regions of the world containing high numbers of plant species found nowhere else (endemic). To maximise the conservation and research value of species grown in the OBGHA, plant material must be collected (under permit) from well documented, wild sources. The Biodiversity Hotspot collections will be a resource that will make an effective and substantial contribution to the delivery of OBGHA's departmental objectives