2018 has been a memorable year in the Orchid Project – enormous thanks to the students, parents and volunteers that have made it all possible. Here are a few of the highlights:

The spring was one of the snowiest for years but was full of excitement.

February – We hosted a great visit from the plant group at the Cheshire Home, Timsbury

March – Was the European Orchid Show, Paris – Winners of Grand Champion, a Gold Medal, 14 other awards and a live interview on French TV

April – London Orchid Show – Our eleventh RHS Gold Medal and UK TV

…and a glowing OFSTED report ‘The ‘Orchid Project’ is genuinely impressive, with pupils given real life-changing experiences to showcase their work around the world.’

May – A great day as usual at the Devon Orchid Show (this Year’s show will be on 4th May)

June – The Three Counties Show, Malvern, was a brilliant team effort – Our best display ever won ‘Best Trade Display and Best Trade Plant’ amongst other things. We also started working with the Devon Wildlife trust.

July – Saw us working with Anna at the Bristol Aquarium to update the permanent orchid displays and the hot weather continued.

September – The month started under canvas at the Bristol University Botanic Garden’s Bee and Pollination Festival, and included the first visit of our Malaysian partners.

October – A visit to the Bristol University to plan orchid displays with Penny and then working with partner scientists at the London conference on the Illegal Trade in Wildlife to present the threats faced by plants.

November – Was all about our very successful British Orchid Show and research projects for A level Students

December – Saw us host students from Peasedown Primary School, Orchid Christmas and our first visit to our new partners at the Living Rainforest.

A truly special year – we are sure that 2019 will be just as full of exciting projects, shows, and events as we continue our adventures in orchids, education and conservation.