Wakehurst has appointed a new director who will start this month.

Susan Raikes has been selected for the role at Kew’s wild botanic garden in Sussex.

She will be leaving her role as director of learning at the Science Museum Group, where she has been a member of the group executive for six years.

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Susan worked as the head of learning and national partnerships at the British Museum for a decade beforehand.

The gardens, which span across 535 acres, feature a collection of plants from across the world.

Wakehurst is considered to be a centre for UK biodiversity and global conservation, seed research and ecosystem science.

Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank is also the world’s largest store of seeds from wild plant species.

Susan said: "I am delighted to be joining Wakehurst at this pivotal moment in its evolution, when advancing our scientific understanding of plants and landscapes has never been more important.

Wakehurst was a favourite destination for day trips during my childhood in West Sussex and I can’t wait to have the opportunity to share it with new generations of visitors."

Richard Barley, director of gardens at RBG Kew, said: "We are excited to announce that Susan is joining and bringing her expertise to Wakehurst, I look forward to working with her and building on the outstanding work of the Wakehurst leadership team who continue to build its strength as a multi-layered biodiverse research centre, a rich landscape visitor attraction and a hub for cultural and family events.”

Other changes across the business include Lorraine Lecourtois, who will be moving back to her position of head of public programmes after taking an interim role.

She will continue to design and provide experiences and exhibitions at Wakehurst.

There are also two new independent members of Wakehurst Advisory’s Committee.

Dr Lucy Sutherland, director of National Botanic Garden Wales, and Esme Ward, director of Manchester Museum, will join the committee in helping to drive, challenge and support changes in Wakehurst that will help it continue innovating.