BGEN Announces New Training Partnership with BSBI
By BGEN, Coordinator
The Botanic Gardens Education Network (BGEN) is delighted to announce a new partnership with the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI), creating expanded professional development opportunities for our members.
As part of this collaboration, BGEN members can access a limited number of fully funded places on two of the BSBI’s online training courses: Foundations in Plant ID and Plants are Green. Additional places on both courses are also available to members at a significantly reduced rate.
These year-long courses are designed to build confidence and deepen understanding of plant science and identification. Whether supporting formal education, informal learning, or public engagement, they offer practical, accessible ways for educators to strengthen their botanical knowledge and enhance the quality of their teaching.
This partnership reflects a shared commitment between BGEN and the BSBI to support those delivering plant and nature education across the UK and Ireland. By working together, we can widen access to high-quality training and ensure that educators are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to engage diverse audiences with plants.
“As educators ourselves, we’re delighted to be partnering with BGEN to support their members. These courses are designed to build confidence and curiosity around plants, and we’re really looking forward to learning from participants’ feedback as we continue to develop them.”
— Dr Chantal Helm, BSBI Training Coordinator
For BGEN, partnerships like this are a key part of our strategic direction. By collaborating with organisations across the sector, we aim to create more opportunities for our members, strengthen connections between institutions, and amplify the collective impact of plant-based education.
“We’re really pleased to be able to offer BGEN members access to this training. Opportunities like this directly support educators to build their confidence and knowledge, which in turn enhances the experiences they create for their audiences.”
— Lauren Baker, Chair, Botanic Gardens Education Network (BGEN)
We are particularly pleased that participant feedback will help shape the future development of these courses, ensuring they remain relevant and valuable for educators working in a wide range of settings.
Applications for funded places closed on March 23rd and all selected BGEN members will be able to start their courses before April. We look forward to hearing how they get on and the impact this training opportunity has on their careers and institutional programming.
