Bangor University’s Treborth Botanic Garden is a gem. Spanning 44 acres along the ecologically unique Menai Strait, the garden is a haven of peace as well as a living laboratory featuring ponds, meadows, and a renowned collection of glasshouse plants. However, the thriving state of the garden today is due in no small part to a dedicated group of enthusiasts: The Friends of Treborth Botanic Garden (FTBG).
A Legacy of Support
Established in 1997 and registered as a charity in 2008, the FTBG was founded to safeguard the garden’s future and support its scientific and educational goals. What began as a small group of enthusiasts has grown into a strong force of community action, now boasting more than 500 members.
The scale of their contribution is remarkable. Each year, roughly 60 active volunteers contribute over 12,000 hours of work in the garden (a figure that excludes the huge amount of work involved with the administration and management of events and fundraising). These volunteers—many of whom are retired professionals and include among their number UCNW/Bangor University alumni—bring a wealth of expertise in horticulture, conservation, IT, and project management to support these activities. Their work isn’t just limited to practical gardening; they manage plant records, organise and run a library, support the membership (e.g. with educational activities and a twice yearly newsletter), provide advice to staff and even assist in strategic garden design.
Tangible Impact and Recent Milestones
The partnership between the University and the Friends has been integral to significant recent developments that place Treborth on the national stage:
- Chelsea Gold: In 2024, the "Size of Wales Garden" won a gold medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show before being replanted at Treborth.
- National Collections: Treborth Botanic Garden has been officially recognised by Plant Heritage as the National Plant Collection® holder of Welsh native ferns. This is the first national collection to recognise Welsh native plants.
- New Resources: The scope of the garden has expanded to include Chinese and Welsh herbal medicinal gardens (the "Two Dragons Garden Project"), a dedicated forest school and is and is managing a major £250k woodland redevelopment programme, The Woodland Investment Grant (TWIG), funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Your Donations at Work
Financial support from the FTBG is vital for the garden's daily operations. In the 2024–25 financial year alone, the Friends raised £34,000 through subscriptions, donations, and their highly popular plant sales.
These funds have a direct impact on the University community. In the last year, the Friends have funded:
- Three part-time staff members to maintain the grounds.
- Two postgraduate bursaries for students conducting vital research within the garden.
- Essential equipment, including an automated weather station and critical maintenance tools.
Join the Community
The success of Treborth depends on the continued energy of its volunteers and donors. Whether it’s assisting with the running of an event, baking cakes for a plant sale, providing archival support, or offering a financial gift, every contribution helps preserve this unique environment for future generations.
"If you would like to join us in contributing positively to the future of Treborth Botanic Garden, you can use the website to become a member or provide a donation."
Find out more and view upcoming events at: www.friendsoftreborthbotanicgarden.org