The Armidale Botanic Garden will be a regionally significant centre for place‑based environmental education, fostering lifelong learning and inspiring individuals and communities to understand, value, and protect plant diversity and natural systems.
The establishment of an on-site Environment Centre is an early priority. The Centre is envisaged as a focal point for education, research, and community engagement, supporting environmental learning across all ages and disciplines. It will provide a base for workshops, public lectures, and exhibitions, and will facilitate collaboration with partners and community organisations. As a year-round facility, the Environment Centre will strengthen the Garden’s role as a regional hub for environmental knowledge, stewardship, and innovation.
Learning is integral to the Garden’s mission, not an ancillary activity.
Programs are grounded in the landscapes, flora, climate, and ecological systems of the New England region.
Programs align with the Australian Curriculum and NSW syllabuses where relevant.
Learning is informed by contemporary science and evidence‑based practice.
Aboriginal ecological knowledge is embedded respectfully and collaboratively.
Education is delivered in collaboration with key regional institutions.
Programs are inclusive, age‑appropriate, and accessible to diverse learners.
Learning promotes responsibility, care, and long‑term environmental ethics.
Early Childhood and Preschool
Programs for early learners will focus on:
Activities will be play‑based, short‑duration, and aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework whilst recognising, appreciating and incorporating local teacher input.
Infants (K–2)
Education for infants will emphasise:
Programs will align with NSW syllabus outcomes for early primary learning whilst recognising, appreciating and incorporating local teacher input.
Primary Education (Years 3–6)
Primary programs will support:
Programs will be curriculum‑mapped and designed to complement classroom learning whilst recognising , appreciating and incorporating local teacher input.
Secondary Education (Years 7–12)
Secondary education programs will provide:
Programs may support Geography, Science, Biology, and Environmental Studies syllabuses whilst recognising, appreciating and incorporating local teacher input.
Tertiary Education
In partnership with the University of New England (UNE), particularly the Botany, Zoology and Environmental Science departments, the Garden will support:
The Garden will function as a living laboratory supporting research, teaching, and community knowledge exchange whilst recognising, appreciating and incorporating local UNE staff input.
Work Experience, Internships, and Vocational Learning
The Garden will provide structured opportunities for:
Programs will focus on:
Community Education
The garden will be a ‘living’ classroom where visitors can see first-hand the form, structure and growing requirements of plants they may wish to incorporate in their own private garden. Plants will be labelled (digitally and physically)
University of New England (UNE)
UNE will be a key strategic partner, contributing to:
Armidale Tree Group
The Armidale Tree Group will support:
NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA)
Engagement with the EPA will support:
Armidale Regional Council
Council partnership will contribute to:
Indigenous Knowledge and Cultural Engagement
The Garden is committed to:
Program Delivery and Quality Assurance
Evaluation and Continuous Improvement
The Armidale Botanic Garden will:
Governance and Review
This Education Policy will be:
Policy Statement
The Armidale Botanic Garden affirms its commitment to excellence in environmental education, collaboration with regional institutions, and the cultivation of informed, engaged, and environmentally responsible communities.
