TREBORTH Botanic Garden, part of Bangor University, has been recognised as an accredited botanic garden.

On the outskirts of Bangor near the Menai Bridge, it is now one of only seven accredited botanic gardens in the UK, and just three in Wales.

The Botanic Garden Conservation International (BGCI) accreditation is aimed at botanical institutions wishing to establish their credentials.

The success of the staff and volunteers in achieving the accreditation demonstrates the garden’s conformity to the highest international standards as a botanic garden.

Natalie Chivers, curator at Treborth Botanic Garden, said: “The task of putting our case together for submission was led by volunteer plant records officer Paul Smith, who spent many months assembling and preparing the evidence and liaising with BGCI and other stakeholders.

“This is a joint success for the Botanic Garden and the Friends of Treborth Botanic Garden, who provide thousands of hours of volunteer support to the garden every year.”

Botanic gardens applying for accreditation are assessed on criteria encompassing leadership, specialist horticultural expertise, collections management, public education, community and cultural activities, conservation actions, scientific research, staff, networking and sustainability.

Paul Smith, one of the Friends of Treborth Botanic Garden, said: “When I saw the communication from BGCI saying that our application had been successful, I was both ecstatic and relieved.

“It has been a very exacting process covering many different aspects of Treborth that I had not fully appreciated before starting to help with this task.

“This is a well-deserved recognition of all that Treborth has achieved and the professionalism of its staff and volunteers.”

Arfon MS Sian Gwenllian added: “The accreditation is an important recognition of your key work in promoting native woodland, species diversity, and high quality academic research.

“The service you offer to the wider community is also essential.”

The achievement of accreditation comes 60 years after Treborth Botanic Garden was established, and marks a new phase in its development both within the university and the global conservation community.