Botanic Gardens Education Network

Who we are

BGEN, the Botanic Gardens Education Network, is a specialist support network for professional plant and natural world educators across the UK. We help our 300 members to connect people and plants in innovative and engaging ways. Bgen aims to integrate our members into an energetic network of like-minded people. We do this through online events, face to face training and networking events and our informative, topical Annual Conference.

BGEN supports and builds capacity in educators and community engagers in natural and plant science, biodiversity and sustainability, visitor engagement, audience development, evaluation and funding.

BGEN is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) and is governed by a committed and energetic board of trustees.

Why join the BGEN Board?

BGEN exists to connect, support and champion people working in plant and nature education. Our members work across botanic gardens, gardens, heritage organisations, charities, education and other settings, sharing a commitment to helping people engage with plants, nature and the environment.

Our Trustees play an important role in making that possible.

As well as fulfilling the governance responsibilities that come with being a Trustee, Board members help set BGEN’s strategic direction, contribute their expertise through our workstreams and work collaboratively to turn our ambitions for the network into action.

Joining the Board is an opportunity to contribute to the development of BGEN, work alongside colleagues from across the sector and use your skills and experience to make a practical difference to a growing professional network.

You don’t need previous Trustee experience, and you don’t need to work in a botanic garden. We’re interested in the experience, ideas and perspectives you could bring.