Join the discussion at The Athenaeum for an important evening raising the importance of the Liverpool Botanic Collection which is now at risk.
There are growing concerns about the safety and long-term future of the Liverpool Botanic Collection currently at Croxteth Hall. It was nearly closed for good in 2014 and is now in the spotlight again.
The Athenaeum’s connection to the botanical collection dates back to its inception by William Roscoe. Roscoe was a founding member of the Athenaeum in 1797 and about half of the subscribers to the Botanical Gardens were also members of the Athenaeum.
The level of concern has been brought to the attention of the Library Advisory Committee, and as part of our outreach into the community we are holding an event at the Athenaeum to raise awareness of this amazing collection and the importance of its history and heritage. It dates from 1803 when William Roscoe set it up and was the first of its kind in the UK.
Speakers for the evening are Raoul Curtis-Machin, Director of Horticulture at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, he will give a wider viewpoint of the importance of botanic gardens. Steve Lyus, local botanical historian, will review the long history of the Liverpool Botanic Garden. Stephen Guy will give a short talk on the West Derby Society and Friends of Croxteth Hall.