A first-of-its-kind project for the UK’s botanic gardens will launch at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh this autumn, with the introduction of films demonstrating botanical terms newly developed within British Sign Language (BSL).
The short videos are designed to enhance deaf visitors’ engagement with the Garden’s remarkable Living Collection.
Created in partnership with BSL experts based at the Scottish Sensory Centre, University of Edinburgh, the films tell stories about botanical forms such as palms, ferns and fronds through sign language and will form an integral part of a new multimedia visitor experience when the Garden’s historic Palm Houses reopen following restoration.
Sarah Cathcart, Director of Learning and Engagement at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh said: “Working closely with the Scottish Sensory Centre’s BSL glossary team, we have developed a set of elegant and expressive new signs in British Sign Language to deliver a more meaningful and immersive experience for members of the deaf community visiting the Garden.
“These signs represent just the beginning of this important project. Through this collaboration we will continue to expand botanical vocabulary, ensuring that the natural world is more inclusive and accessible for all.”
Dr Audrey Cameron, Project Lead, Scottish Sensory Centre’s BSL Glossary project added: “At present, very few botanical terms exist in BSL – even for familiar plant species such as daffodils.
“By creating new language designed specifically for the deaf community, this unique project takes an important step forward in widening access to the wonders of plant biodiversity.”
To create the new signs, RBGE scientists and horticulturists worked with BSL experts to define the very essence of a plant or botanical feature. These qualities were then used by a deaf-led team of BSL scriptwriters and signers to create the videos.
Visitors to the Palm Houses will be able to access the content through QR codes positioned throughout the restored 19th‑century buildings.
As part of the Garden’s commitment to accessibility and knowledge‑sharing, the new BSL botanical signs will be shared with organisations across the UK.