Kew's Royal Botanical Gardens has submitted a planning application to Richmond Council for a new 'Carbon Cycle' Garden.

The application seeks permission for the creation of a new pavilion structure and the associated re-landscaping to form a new 'Carbon Cycle' garden. 

The proposed Carbon Garden will explain the role of carbon in nature where it is found, how it moves through the ecosystem and what can be done to reduce carbon emissions and improve carbon sequestration. 

The planning application says that the pavilion and garden will be built in the area that is currently occupied by the 'Secluded Garden' and its adjacent lawn.

A diagram of the proposed pavillion. (Photo Credit: Planning Application).

The planning application says: "The existing Garden is tired and in need of a revamp; there is currently not a lot for visitors to look at or engage with. 

"The proposed Carbon Garden will utilise the space much more effectively and introduce a beautiful, inspiring, and insightful new garden to draw more visitors to this space to enjoy, and learn from."

It adds: "The proposed Pavilion will draw visitors into the Carbon Garden, to provide an immersive experience and to educate visitors about fundamental earth systems that regulate our climate, including the Carbon Cycle. 

"The design of the Pavilion is inspired by the role that fungi plays in this cycle."

A map of the site location. (Photo Credit: Planning Application).

The pavilion will be made from sustainable materials and the landscaping will be done in a way that "reinforces key messaging around the carbon cycle and the relationship between funghi and trees/plants, playing into the wider educational purposes of the proposals."

The application adds: "The proposed Pavilion and associated landscape is of high quality and will encourage educational interest in important environmental issues, including climate change and the carbon cycle.

"The proposals fall within the definition of an exception to inappropriate development, and they will not impact on the character and openness."