Conservation Horticulture
We maintain a living collection of rare and threatened plant species, sampled from meticolously documented wild populations. Each species is represented by a spectrum of genetic diversity from its remaining wild relatives, which can be bulked-up to form the raw material for ecosystem restoration. Additionally, we carry out experimental work to understand the fitness of these plants, performing experiments to ensure that translocated populations will be resilient and have the best chance of coping with future environmental change. We follow strict biosecurity protocols and procedures to ensure low risks from pests and disease in the nursery and when planting collections back into wild sites. Most of these threatened species are very tricky to propagate and this requires innovative techniques to accommodate the various specific growing requirements.
These collections act as a reservoir for future conservation translocations, serving as an insurance policy against extinction. They ensure that genetic diversity is maintained, supporting long-term resilience.
For more information: Becca Drew-Galloway.
