Ventnor Botanic Garden.
ADMISSION charges have been introduced at Ventnor Botanic Garden.
When it was run by the Isle of Wight Council, the garden had free admission but the authority defrayed some of the attraction’s huge annual losses with car parking charges.
They have now largely been replaced by the admission fees.
The new fees, introduced after the takeover by a community interest company headed by businessman John Curtis, put adult admission at £5, family admission at £12, children between six and 16 £3 and children under six free.
Volunteers receive free admission and 'green’ travellers without cars pay £3.50. There is a range of concessions and parking only offers.
The charges were introduced after wide consultation and coincide with a membership drive by the Ventnor Botanic Garden Friends.
The Friends are not only a gardening social group but help with garden maintenance, propagating, potting, seed sorting and garden tours.
They organise and attend plant sales, lectures and open gardens to raise funds.
Garden manager Chris Kidd said: "Entry fees will help to keep the garden moving forward, paying for the staff and upkeep.
"Money raised by the Friends will help with education, buy plants and establish national collections to enhance our wonderful garden and keep its local, national and international reputation."
Reporter: richardw@iwcpmail.co.uk