Formats: Talks

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

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

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

Plants harness energy from sunlight to make food. Find out why this process, called photosynthesis, is so important and meet the pigments involved in an experiment to compare plants from sun and shade. With Dr Max Coleman.

30 March and 4 April, 1pm (30 minutes), Age 5+, Turn up on the day. Maximum capacity 50 per session,
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh - Exhibition Hall

Climate change: is it really happening? Plants can tell us; and you can learn to spot their signals. Find out how plants and climate are vitally important to each other. Then, weather permitting, help us monitor plants in the Garden.

3 and 4 April, 3pm (30 minutes), Age 8+, Turn up on the day. Maximum capacity 50 per session,
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh - Exhibition Hall

Lichens are nature's early warning indicators - they decline and bounce back in response to changes in air quality. Learn how they also tell us about climate change and how they can help us protect plants and animals in a changing world

2 April, 1pm (30 minutes), Age 5+, Free, just turn up on the day. Maximum capacity 50 per session,
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh - Exhibition Hall

Around 300 million years ago, before the time of the true dinosaurs, Scotland had a steamy tropical climate. Discover how the swamp forest of the time changed the climate forever. With Dr Greg Kenicer.

29 and 30 March, 3pm (30 minutes), Age 5+, Turn up on the day. Maximum capacity 50 per session,
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh - Exhibition Hall

How can we improve our existing buildings green credentials? Put your questions to the experts on sustainable buildings. With Donald Canavan of the Hurdrolland Partnership and Richard Atkins, Chair of the Scottish ecological design Association.

4 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

Puffins are being pushed off nearby Scottish islands by a tall Mediterranean plant. Learn more about how climate warming has allowed an alien plant to take over seabird islands and how local people are fighting back to help breeding seabirds.

31 March, 1pm (30 minutes), Age 5+, Turn up on the day. Maximum capacity 50 per session,
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh - Exhibition Hall

Remarkable trees can change lives in tropical countries. Some grow so fast you can almost see them move! They can fertilise soils, provide food, firewood and fine timber. Come and find out the good news about re-afforesting the tropics.

Wednesday 2 April, 3pm (30 minutes), Age 5+, Turn up on the day. Maximum capacity 50 per session,
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh - Exhibition Hall