Introduction to Community Open Week

Join us for our seventh Community Open Week at Kew, 24 to 28 June 2026!

Community Open Week is a free event Kew runs for community groups and individuals who may face barriers to visiting us.

Our participants can sample everything we offer in our Community and Access Learning programmes, including hands-on activities, science games, talks, tours, performances and community art projects. There are opportunities to learn about Kew’s science and conservation work, connect with nature and enhance wellbeing.

Choir & Dance performances

By Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music & Dance

Threads of the Canopy

Participatory community art project led by artists Becca Smith, Kate Turnbull & Carry Somers

Trees of the Caribbean

Talk by Duke Baysee

Delivered by Kew

- Seed ball making
- Tree climbing demonstration by Kew's Tree Gang
- Science games, led by Kew science interns
- Trees that Heal & The Rainforest Recreated talks by Kew scientists
- Sensory tours, British Sign Language tours
- Storytelling for families and early years
- Youth Explainer games
- Youth Forum Restoring Kew's Meadow workshop

Delivered by our partners

- Tree Games, The Sensory Trust
- Community Cooking deomonstration by chef Anjula Devi
- Performances by Otakar Kraus Music Trust, Streetwise Opera & Sound Minds
- Trees of the Caribbean, talk by Duke Baysee
- Family Trees activity, Historic Royal Palaces

Community Open Week 2025 in numbers

Kew's 6th Community Open Week
Over 11,000 visitors
Over 170 staff, volunteers and partners
37 unique activities suitable for all ages and abilities

A mother and son doing a craft activity at a table — Tree-mendous Trees at Community Open Week @RBG Kew

A mother and daughter attaching their message to a crafted tree — Tree Tale Archive at Community Open Week 2025 @RBG Kew

"This event allows people who have no means financially or due to other means to visit Kew Gardens. Such a fabulous inclusive day."

"A well organised community event accessible to so many people who don't normally attend. Very impressed with the whole event including accessibility, signage, facilities, and the maps and guides...the staff and volunteers I spoke to were very friendly"

"Accessibility is amazing at Kew - my mum really benefitted from free wheelchair and all the fully accessible ramps and pavements. The events were so lovely especially community performances. Every single staff member was warm and friendly."

A woman looking at lichen using a magnifying glass — Looky Looky Lichen at Community Open Week 2025 @RBG Kew

a group of people watching an expert climb a tree — Meet Kew's Tree Gang at Community Open Week @RBG Kew

Kew volunteer:

"I met a large number of people for a variety of reasons do not usually access Kew. We had so much positive feedback about how happy they were to be there and how welcomed they felt. It felt like being part of community week was being part of something really big"

External partner:

"Project was such a pleasure to work on and very much appreciated by all who attended. Reached a range of demographics within the community. The high degree of organisation pre-event really paid off in terms of facilitating the event days. Thank you so much for this opportunity."

Kew volunteer:

"The theme was fantastic, the range of events were really diverse and provided an amazing variety for guests. The quiet day on Thursday was a brilliant idea! Really important to do again."