Dundee Botanic Gardens 'could not be reassembled' warns former curator as university moots closure
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The gardens opened in 1970
The former curator of Dundee Botanic Gardens has warned against the major loss of the “critical civic and academic infrastruture” as university chiefs consider shedding the popular green space amid deep budget cuts.
Kevin Frediani, curator of the gardens for five years until last year, warned that “once lost”, the valuable collections, “built over decades” could not be “reassembled”.
Separately, a petition has been launched to save the gardens, which currently has more than 700 signatures.
The news comes a day after the university announced a further 190 jobs would be cut as it tackles a major financial deficit and looks to save a further £20m from its books.
Reports claimed staff at the gardens had been told they faced redundancy.
Mr Frediani, who now works as operations manager at the National Trust for Scotland, said: “The announcement of the University of Dundee Botanic Garden closure is a moment that should give our sector pause. For over 50 years, the garden has operated not simply as a green space, but as - supporting research, teaching, conservation and community engagement at scale.
“It has welcomed thousands of visitors annually while underpinning university learning and interdisciplinary inquiry. Like many botanic gardens, its value is layered: as a living scientific collection, a platform for education, and a place where people connect meaningfully with nature.”
Mr Frediani said during his time as curator, staff had worked to position the garden as an active environment for research into sustainability, human ecology and public engagement.
He said: “That is what is at risk here. Alongside the very real impact on skilled staff and the local community, there is a broader strategic question: how do we value, and therefore sustain, these hybrid assets that sit between academia, culture and environment?
“Botanic gardens are not easily replaced. Their collections, knowledge and community relationships are built over decades. Once lost, they cannot simply be reassembled.
“As institutions across higher education and heritage navigate financial pressures, this situation underscores the need for clearer sector advocacy - articulating the full economic, social and environmental value of gardens like Dundee.”
He added: “Whatever the outcome, this is a moment to recognise, and more clearly make the case for, the essential role botanic gardens play in our shared future.”
The founders of the petition described the gardens as a “cherished haven for countless residents and visitors”.
The site first opened in 1970 and welcomes around 80,000 visitors each year.
The petition, on Change.org, said: “We call upon local authorities to prioritise the preservation of this invaluable community asset. Concrete actions must be taken to safeguard the gardens and cafe, ensuring they continue to flourish for future generations.
“The thought of losing such a pivotal part of Dundee’s cultural and natural heritage is unsettling. The Gardens are not just a patch of greenery amidst the urban landscape; they are a refuge, a place of learning, and a source of inspiration and peace for many. Its closure or neglect would undeniably diminish our city's rich tapestry of cultural and educational experiences.”
A Dundee University spokesman said: “The university is proposing to cease running the botanic garden. We are continuing to explore alternative options for the future of the garden.”
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