"Light my Fire..."

... that was a good song. However I don't think the late lamented Jim Morrison had this kind of fire in mind.

This is at Wakehurst Place, leased from the National Trust and managed by Kew Gardens. It houses the Millenium Seed Bank amongst other botanical projects and is set in wonderful countryside.

However, one of the assistants told me Govt funding has been withdrawn, and they receive no money from the National Trust. It's showing signs of shortfall - an underused mansion, bit of gardening needed(!). To address this, they have introduced parking charges (including for NT members) and if you stay for the day it'll set you back £10. I have a feeling people will a) not stay so long, b) not spend so much in the cafes/shop, and c) visit less frequently.

There is a petition at change.org to get this decision reversed, but the need for more money remains of course.