Programme
Science Festival at the Botanics
As a world-class centre of excellence, with more than 300 years’ experience in scientific research and horticulture, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh works in more than 40 countries, helping to document and conserve the world’s diversity of plant life and helping people understand why these plants really matter.
This Science Festival we explore two crucial questions.
* What is climate change doing to our planet?
* What can I do about climate change?
Meet the experts and take part in a fun filled programme of family activities and join us for our mini series of evening talks.
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Inverleith Row. Open daily from 10am to 7pm throughout the Festival. The Exhibition Hall closes at 5pm. Admission Free (although some activities have a charge)
Contributors to the programme include:
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, RSPB, Friends of the Earth Scotland, Changeworks, SEPA - Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Powerpod, Alchemy Arts, WRAP, Soil Association Scotland, The Rowett Research Institute, The Macaulay Institute, University of Aberdeen, Talking Trees, Waste Aware Edinburgh, Sustrans, Edinburgh Woodcraft Folk, The Green Team, University of Edinburgh, Sheffield University, Moredun Research Institute, SEAD - Scottish Education and Action for Development,Earthship Fife, Natural Groove Carbon Halo, Scottish Seabird Centre
Rubbish is everyone's problem! Learn how to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle your waste. Lots of games, competitions and free recycled gifts.
1 to 4 April, Drop in from 10am
, Age 5+,
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh - Exhibition Hall
Our planet is the only place we know where life exists - a precious ark in the vast ocean of space. Find out how the world around us has been shaped by events in space, and how life on earth has adapted. With Dr Marek Kukula, University of Edinburgh.
3 April, 7pm (1 hour), Adult, Buy in advance or on the door subject to availability. Advanced booking on 0131 524 9830 or online here,
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh - Lecture Theatre
Come and create a Climate Change Collage with environmental arts crew Alchemy Arts! Add your ideas and questions in a fun and creative way. You can also have a go at making a funky draught excluder and a stylish gift bag.
30 March to 2 April, Drop in from 10am
, All ages,
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh - Exhibition Hall
Help TV Producer Miles Seyvin and television's latest discovery the Fresh Chef produce a pilot TV series of imaginative, nutritional, tasty family meals on zero air miles!
29 March, 1pm (30 minutes), Age 5+, Turn up on the day. Maximum capacity 50 per session,
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh - Exhibition Hall
With longer seasons bracken might become even more widespread. Come and find out how It used to be a valuable resource and the renewed efforts that are being made to both curb and harness its incredible growth. With Dr Heather McHaffie.
3 April, 1pm (30 minutes), Age 8+, Turn up on the day. Maximum capacity 50 per session,
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh - Exhibition Hall
A tour back in time over 300 million years to The Botanics most ancient habitat. Find out how giant insects and millipedes survived in the climate of the Carboniferous period, and how the plants they ate changed our climate forever.
29 and 30 March, Saturday 12 Noon and 4pm and Sunday 11am and 2pm (1 hour), Age 8+, Sign up on the day, Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. Maximum capacity for this event is 16,
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh - Exhibition Hall
Is climate change all bad? Can we predict the balance of positive and negative impacts? Hear about the latest research on who will be affected and how. With Dr Robin Matthews.
1 April, 1pm and 3pm (30 minutes), Age 5+, Turn up on the day. Maximum capacity 50 per session,
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh - Exhibition Hall
What, exactly, happens inside a compost bin? Make your own compost in a plastic bottle and find out!
29 and 31 March, 11am (1 hour), All ages, Sign up on the day, Adults must remain with children. Maximum capacity for this event is 18,
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh - Exhibition Hall
See wiggly worms up close and discover the exciting creatures that convert rubbish to lovely compost!
29 to 31 March, Drop in from 10am, Age 5+,
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh - Exhibition Hall
Help us investigate the mystery behind the disappearing Craigleith puffins. How does climate change affect the habitat and food chain of these amazing birds and can they adapt to life in a warmer world?
1 to 4 April, Drop in from 10am, Age 5+,
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh - Exhibition Hall
