Rooted in Restoration
Brackenhurst’s green spaces are not simply a backdrop to conferences and retreats, they are part of a living ecosystem that has been carefully restored and stewarded over many years.
Over the past two decades, what was once largely eucalyptus plantation has been transformed into 27.5 hectares of regenerated indigenous forest and restored wetlands. Since 2000, this work has been undertaken in partnership with Centre for Ecosystem Restoration – Kenya (CER-K), resulting in a biodiverse habitat now supporting over 180 bird species, native mammals, including the return of colobus monkeys after an 80-year absence, and hundreds of indigenous plant species, many rare or endangered.
The CER-K nurseries and seed bank, based at Brackenhurst, conserve and propagate indigenous and threatened tree species for restoration projects across Kenya. Through a community seed collection network, the campus contributes directly to wider ecosystem recovery beyond its boundaries.
Botanical and Scientific Affiliation
Established in 1990, the Brackenhurst Botanic Garden forms part of the Ecological Restoration Alliance of Botanic Gardens and is a member of Botanic Garden Conservation International (BGCI), accredited at Level 3 by ArbNet.
Brackenhurst is also a member of Nature Kenya — the East Africa Natural History Society (established in 1909), Africa’s oldest environmental society. This affiliation reflects our alignment with science-led conservation and the protection of biodiversity across the region.
Together, these partnerships place Brackenhurst within a wider network of research, restoration and environmental leadership.
Why It Matters
- Healthy ecosystems are foundational to human wellbeing. Research increasingly shows that time spent in natural environments improves sleep, reduces stress, strengthens immune response and enhances creative thinking.
- For organisations hosting conferences and retreats, the environment supports clearer thinking, more constructive dialogue and deeper reflection. The landscape becomes part of the experience, not an accessory to it.
Read also in our Blog: Forest bathing at Brackenhurst
Sustainability in Practice
Environmental responsibility at Brackenhurst is expressed through practical, measurable action.
- 80 KW grid-tied solar system offsetting approximately 31% of campus energy use
Solar hot water systems across guest accommodation - Near elimination of single-use plastic bottles
- On-site water treatment and bottling in reusable glass
- Recycling partnership recovering up to 95% of campus waste
- Sustainably managed firewood plantation
- Organic vegetable garden reducing pesticide use and transport emissions
- Ongoing removal of invasive species and wetland protection
These initiatives are integrated into daily operations rather than treated as separate projects.
Did you know?
A portion of every stay at Brackenhurst supports the continued care of the forest, wetlands, botanic garden and seed bank.
Conferences and residential programmes therefore contribute directly to the long-term restoration of this landscape.
