Introduction
Conservation and sustainability go hand in hand and embrace all aspects of horticulture, from amenity to commercial and small to large scale. The gardener has a role to play whatever the size of garden. It is being increasingly recognised how important ordinary gardens are in providing a network of habitats for conserving wildlife and improving the environment.
Botanic gardens have long played a global role in conserving plant species, dating from the sixteenth century, with the first botanic garden in the UK being completed in 1663, in Oxford, (Oldfield, p. 13, 2007). This role is carried on today with traditional methods combined with the advantages of modern technology, for example at Kew’s Millennium Seedbank at Wakehurst Place, Sussex.
Many important charities have been founded to aid the conservation of plants and gardens, either as their main remit or as part of a wider theme of conservation and education, such as the National Trust and Plant Heritage. Legislation has played an increasingly important role, for example through the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Local planning authorities implement important planning legislation, for example, administering Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs).
Sustainable practices are fundamental to conservation. Again, these are important on all levels, from the compost heap and water butt in a back garden, to large-scale water storage for commercial nurseries and effective management of recycling in large parks and gardens.