Kew Gardens will open a 'groundbreaking' new garden in July, warning of the urgent need to tackle the climate crisis.

The Carbon Garden will show how carbon helps to sustain life on Earth, the scale of the climate crisis and how nature can be used to combat it, at the world-famous attraction in South West London.

The permanent garden aims to inspire visitors to take actions in their everyday lives to support the planet.

Kew said that while human activities have released an alarming amount of carbon into the atmosphere, warming the planet, plants, and fungi act as 'natural allies in climate repair' as they can capture carbon and restore balance.

Work has now begun to create the garden, after Richmond Council approved the plans last year.

Work has now begun to create the new carbon garden at Kew Gardens (Credit: Mizzi Studio)

It will welcome visitors with a striking display of plants reflecting the dramatic rise in average global temperatures over time.

A feature showing layers of soil, a rocky outcrop and a layer of coal in the earth's crust with fossilised plants will then reveal the hidden world of carbon underground.

A circular route will lead visitors through the main zones of the garden, including a dry garden with drought-resistant plants to show how nature can be used to adapt to climate change.

A rain garden and ditch lined with plants will highlight ways to manage water flow, prevent soil erosion, reduce flooding and put moisture back into soil.

A fungi-inspired pavilion will be built in the centre of the garden, appearing to grow from it, using sustainable materials. It will have a sloping canopy directing rainwater into the rain garden, along with sheltered space to host school visits and community activities.

The garden also aims to offer hope by showing nature's ability to capture and store carbon.

At least 26 new trees will be planted, chosen for their resilience to predicted future climate conditions.

CGI of Carbon Garden, Kew Gardens (Credit: Mizzi Studio)

There will also be grasslands, wildflower meadows and hedges to boost biodiversity.

Richard Wilford, Kew Garden's Design Manager, said: "The Carbon Garden offers a unique opportunity to showcase our ongoing research, combining scientific insight with thoughtful design and beautiful planting to highlight the role of carbon in our lives, how it moves through the environment and how plants and fungi can help us tackle climate change.

"We hope the Carbon Garden inspires visitors to act and join us in shaping a more sustainable, resilient future for life on our planet."

The garden was made possible by funding from Biffa Award, cash raised by players of People's Postcode Lottery, and donations.

Rachel Maidment, Grants Manager at Biffa Award, added: "We are immensely proud to support the Carbon Garden, which will educate and inspire visitors about the vital role of carbon in our environment.

"Through the Landfill Communities Fund, we are committed to funding projects that have a lasting positive impact on both people and the planet.

"We are particularly excited that this garden will not only showcase Kew's research but will also serve as a hub for learning, demonstrating how collective action can drive real environmental change."