Friends of the Garden

Who we are

Founded in 1980, the principal aims of the association are to promote and support the development of the Garden's plant collections and amenities.

Fund-raising activities centre chiefly on an annual Family Day held at the Botanic Garden, but other events are organised from time to time. As a result a whole range of projects has been funded, including:

• Fibonacci pavements
• Toilet facilities with disabled access
• Interpretation panels for visitors
• Computers
• A summerhouse
• Meteorological equipment
• New paths
• Restoration of the Alpine House

We are members of the nation-wide Friends of Botanic Gardens Forum.

How to join

Anyone over the age of 18 may become a member. Those under 18 may be included in family membership.

The quick and easy way to join the Friends is via our membership website.

Alternatively, please email FULBGmembership@gmail.com for an application form. Membership application forms can also be picked up near the entrance gates of the Botanic Garden.

Subscriptions are normally payable on 1 January each year, but new members may join at any time and, if joining after our Plant Sale and Family Day in early July, will receive the concession of the remainder of the current year with the next year included. 

The current subscription rates are as follows:

NB. We will accept - but are discouraging - payment by standing order and cheque in favour of bank transfer (BACS). Direct debit is now possible via the website link above.

Membership privileges

There are many benefits of becoming a Friend of the Garden. These include:

• Special access to the Garden where members may visit the garden at times when it is closed to the public
• Invitations to attend seasonal programmes of lectures as well as day visits to famous and less well known gardens and nurseries. There are also opportunities from time to time to go on short-break tours to more distant gardens
• Quarterly newsletters which contain notices of meetings, news items and articles on plants or features of current interest in the Garden
• The association provides a forum for the free exchange of plants among members
• Opportunities to train as a guide to take groups around the Garden and Arboretum
• Help at the Botanic Garden Family Day and other events
• Join our volunteer programme in the Garden helping with seasonal tasks.

Data protection statement

If you are a member of the Friends of the University of Leicester Botanic Garden, the information you have supplied is used to administer your membership and tell you about the work of the Friends including mailing of the newsletter. If you no longer wish to receive information from the Friends, or would like a copy of the information held, please email us or write to Data Controller, Friends of the Botanic Garden, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH.