It was announced to RBG Kew science staff that the decision to move the herbarium will not be changed. We learned that DEFRA have now provided £2 million as a down payment to secure a site for the New Herbarium building near Reading (see aerial photo of the Thames Valley Science Park south of the M4 motorway). The project is expected to cost at the higher end of £200 to £300 million. There are now plans to construct not a warehouse but a working herbarium with laboratories (less negative).  

However, science staff still oppose the plan for the reasons given in this petition. The primary justification for moving the herbarium is that there are risks to the specimens that cannot be overcome at Kew. However, the stated risks are either exaggerated or untrue. Please read both sides of the case, the executive v science staff, in “The Herbarium Move Explainer” at tinyurl.com/2t64uv62  and decide for yourself!

At a meeting of science staff last week, threats of disciplinary action for voicing opposition to the herbarium move were made, including contacting journalists or the Trustees. In the last week, two herbarium workers have been suspended (one of whom has resigned) for speaking out against the plan to move.

Please continue to support our petition so that the public and scientific opposition can be seen. If you are a UK citizen please contact your MP to voice your concern (see previous petition update on how to do this).