Welcome to Moorbank, Newcastle University’s Botanic Garden

Moorbank's tropical rainforestMoorbank, the University’s Botanic Garden, is situated 15 minutes walk from Newcastle City Centre at the top end of Claremont Road on the edge of the Town Moor. Moorbank holds a number of important plant collections under glass and the landscaped 3-hectare site provides a tranquil oasis in the centre of the city. Moorbank is open to the general public on designated open days and group tours are available by appointment. Updates and news on developments at the garden will appear on this website.

moorbank logoLatest News

New OPAL website

OPAL North East is based at the University of Newcastle and is part of the Open Air Laboratories network. OPAL aims to create a new generation of nature lovers by encouraging people to explore, study and protect their local environment. OPAL is running a series of national environmental surveys, as well as a range of local projects and public events. OPAL is funded by the Big Lottery Fund. On its dedicated website you can find all news regarding events at Moorbank, and much more.

Big Lottery Funding Success

Outreach activities at Moorbank are set to grow over the next 5 years, starting with the appointment in December 2008 of a full-time Education Officer Helen Weddle, funded by the Big Lottery Fund’s Changing Spaces program. The Lottery award is part of the Open Air Laboratories (OPAL) network, an £11 million England-wide initiative designed to inspire and support communities to explore, study and protect their local environment through engagement with leading scientists.

cactusDesert House Refurbishment

Replanting and refurbishment of the desert house, which holds a number of rare cacti and succulents has now finished, thanks to funding from the Cookson Foundation and Stanley Smith Trust. The ‘new’ desert ecosystem is now open for visitors.