Rooted in the past, giving for the future
Barbara Browse believes doing good is a way of life. Through her Charitable Trust, she champions nature, science, and access — with her latest gift restoring Kew Gardens’ Palm House.
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Barbara Browse’s lifelong commitment to giving is rooted in a deep sense of civic duty and a belief in shaping a better future. Her latest donation to Kew Gardens reflects not only her passion for nature and science, but also her desire to connect people with the world around them in meaningful ways.
For Barbara, giving is not just an act of generosity — it is a way to ensure that the lessons of the past shape a better future. Raised in a non-religious household with a strong sense of civic duty, Barbara’s early life was influenced by her father’s work as a GP in a deprived inner-city area. “We were meant to play a constructive role in society,” she reflects. “It was not something we were told — it was something we lived.”
Volunteering was Barbara’s first form of giving. Across every decade of her life, she gave her time generously — until later on, when she was able to give in other ways. With no family obligations and a deep desire to make a difference, Barbara chose to give during her lifetime, inspired by an elderly aunt who did the same. “It is natural to give it away,” she says. “And not wait until you are dead.”
Her donations reflect her personal passions: nature, science, and access. Through her Charitable Trust, Barbara has supported organisations like the Woodland Trust and the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability. At the Royal Hospital, she funded a specially equipped ambulance to help residents get out of the hospital and spend time with family and friends. But it is her support for Kew Gardens that reveals the depth of her commitment.
Barbara describes herself as a “Kew obsessive,” and her giving to the institution spans multiple projects. She has funded the Edible Science Kitchen Garden, the Carbon Garden, the Wild Rose Garden, and even sponsored an apprentice in Kew’s School of Horticulture. Her latest donation supports the renovation of the iconic Palm House — a Victorian marvel now in urgent need of repair. “It is rusty, held together by packing tape,” she says. “It is really in poor shape”.
For Barbara, it is not just about preserving a building. It is about what the Palm House represents: a living rainforest, a system of interdependent plants, and a gateway to understanding the natural world. “It is about showing people where coffee, cocoa, bamboo, bananas, and rice come from,” she explains. “It is not just individual plants — it is an ecosystem. It all works together ”.
The Palm House renovation is one of the most ambitious conservation projects in Kew’s history. Originally opened in 1848, the Grade I listed glasshouse has suffered from high humidity and poor ventilation. Kew is now transforming it into one of the first net-zero heritage buildings of its kind, with sustainable heating, electrical and watering systems. The tropical plant collection is being carefully propagated and temporarily relocated during the renovation.
Barbara is inspired by Kew’s scientific work — its research into plant DNA, its climate-responsive planting, and its commitment to sustainability. "It is all about how you can learn from the past to try and get things right for the future she says. That is why the Palm House is such a good illustration of what Kew is about."
Barbara’s giving is guided not by tax efficiency, but by impact. Although her financial advisers initially focused on tax efficiency when introducing her to CAF, she prioritises supporting organisations when they need it most. Her Charitable Trust offers her a trusted method and flexible way to do this — one that aligns with her values and gives her confidence that her donations will reach well-run, effective charities.
Over the past decade, Barbara’s philanthropy has been instrumental in realising some of Kew’s most visible projects, which make a significant impact on the experience of our 2 million visitors each year. What makes Barbara an extraordinary philanthropic partner is the trust we share. She is not afraid to be an early investor in projects, which has an amplifying effect that transforms our vision into reality.
Rebecca Munro, Executive Director of Development, Kew Gardens
If you have ever felt that your values, experiences, or interests could inspire something meaningful, Barbara’s story offers quiet encouragement. Giving does not have to be grand or complex — it can be guided by your values, your interests, and your lived experience.
As Barbara puts it: "It is about showing people what matters — connecting them to nature, to science, and to the future. That is what makes it personal for me."
If this resonates with you, perhaps now is the time to make your giving personal.
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Barbara Browse believes doing good is a way of life. Through her Charitable Trust, she champions nature, science, and access — with her latest gift restoring Kew Gardens’ Palm House.
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