May I thank, in advance, all our visitors who experience any inconvenience during the construction of the new Wakehurst Place visitor centre for their patience.

Work has started to create this exciting new building, which should be ready from 2004.

The site is well away from the main gardens area and disruption will be kept to a minimum.

When finished, the new centre will provide a reception and display area, shop, cafe and toilets more in keeping with Wakehurst Place's status as a top visitor attraction.

The new centre will also allow us to share with our visitors the important conservation work for British species that we pursue here.

-Trevor Butler, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Wakehurst Place