A new permanent garden dedicated to the role of carbon and nature's power to combat climate change has officially opened at Kew Gardens.

The Carbon Garden, which opened to the public on Friday, 25 July, is one of Kew's most 'ambitious' landscape projects in recent years.

Designed to inform and inspire, the garden explores the science of carbon, climate change, and the ability of plants and fungi to capture carbon and restore environmental balance.

The new sculpture is free to see with an entry to Kew Gardens (credit: Ollie G. Monk).

Situated within the world-renowned gardens in Richmond, the Carbon Garden features 35 newly planted trees and over 6,500 plants arranged in an original layout.

Richard Wilford, Manager of Garden Design at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, said: "The Carbon Garden offers a unique opportunity to showcase our ongoing research, combining scientific insight with thoughtful design and beautiful planting.

"We hope the Carbon Garden inspires visitors to act and join us in shaping a more sustainable, resilient future for life on our planet."

Alongside the sculpture is a variety of dry and wet plants (credit: Ollie G. Monk).

The garden brings carbon to life for visitors with several striking features.

These include planting inspired by the climate stripes developed by Reading University, which illustrate rising global temperatures.

Plants such as Achillea 'Moonshine' and Hydrangea serrata 'Bluebird' form a visual timeline, while a striking exposed coal seam demonstrates the fossilised remains of ancient plants, highlighting how carbon is stored underground.

The permanent garden tells the story of the carbon cycle (credit: Ollie G. Monk).

Elsewhere, a dry garden showcases drought-tolerant species such as Agave parryi and lavender plants chosen to reflect the likely needs of London gardens in the coming decades.

A rain garden illustrates water management strategies, and grasslands, wildflower meadows and native hedgerows demonstrate biodiversity's crucial role in carbon storage.

At the centre of the garden is a bold, fungi-inspired pavilion designed by Mizzi Studio.

The structure is made entirely from natural materials (credit: Ollie G. Monk).

The organic structure, made entirely from natural materials, symbolises the symbiotic relationship between plants and fungi.

The canopy collects rainwater to support the garden's irrigation and will host educational events and community activities.

Carbon Garden was made possible by funding from Biffa Award through the Landfill Communities Fund, players of the People's Postcode Lottery, and other generous donors.

Carbon Garden features 35 new trees and 6,500 plants (credit: Ollie G. Monk).

Rachel Maidment, Biffa Award Grants Manager, said: "We are immensely proud to support the Carbon Garden, which will educate and inspire visitors about the vital role of carbon in our environment.

"This garden will not only showcase Kew's research but also serve as a hub for learning, demonstrating how collective action can drive real environmental change."

Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People's Postcode Lottery, added: "RBG Kew's new Carbon Garden is a fantastic example of how support from players of People's Postcode Lottery is driving positive change for the planet.

"It is because of them that this innovative project can be brought to life, inspiring people to come together to learn more about the world we live in and protect nature for generations to come."

For more information and to plan your visit, head to www.kew.org.