London’s Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew has been given World Heritage status by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

The award, announced in Paris on 3 July, recognised the 300-acre south-west London site as being a "unique cultural landscape".

Kew’s director, Professor Peter Crane, said: "We are delighted with the successful outcome of our nomination to be inscribed on the list of World Heritage Sites. The inscription recognises the importance of Kew’s uninterrupted contributions to botanical and environmental science since 1759, together with its unique collection of plants from all over the world."

He added: "Being awarded World Heritage Site status brings with it increased public awareness about the full dimensions of Kew. Even more importantly, it also embodies a commitment to maintain an organisation and place that is truly special – and world class."

A total of 24 new sites were listed in Paris, Kew being joined by – amongst others – natural sites in Australia, China, Mongolia and Vietnam and cultural sites in Afghanistan, Chile, Iraq, Kazahkstan, Russia and the Sudan. Details: www.kew.org / whc.unesco.org