Chester Zoo is one of the most popular zoos in the country, with millions of visitors each year. So, it’s only natural that the sought-after spot is expanding, bringing a brand-new permanent attraction to its already generous arsenal at Chester Zoo.
The new permanent attraction at Chester Zoo is set to become the permanent home to a stunning show garden, boasting five Plant Heritage National Plant Collections, including tropical pitcher plants (Nepenthes), rare cactus species (Copiapoa, Matucana, Turbinicarpus) and South American orchids (Pleurothallidinae). What is more, in 2025, the zoo was recognised as an internationally important botanic garden by Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BCGI).
As a result, the Plant Heritage Missing Collector Garden, which was made in Cheshire, is going to be permanently located in Chester Zoo from later autumn.
The new show garden aims to “educate and inspire” locals and visitors alike, including the 120,000 school children going to the International Conservation Academy every year.
Gwen Hines, CEO of Plant Heritage, said: “It’s such a natural fit that the Plant Heritage Missing Collector Garden should find a home at Chester Zoo. We’re thrilled that it will have a life beyond Chelsea and will help to educate and inspire the zoo’s millions of visitors about plant conservation and the amazing work being done by our volunteer National Plant Collection holders.”
Phil Esseen, head of plants at Chester Zoo, said: “We are proud of our longstanding partnership with Plant Heritage and the five National Plant Collections we have (Nepenthes pitcher plants, rare cacti and orchids), so we believe Chester Zoo will be the perfect home for the Missing Collector Garden.”
“For us, plant conservation and animal conservation go hand in hand. We are excited to share the Missing Collector Garden with all our visitors, who will get to enjoy this beautiful and peaceful green space. We hope they will also be inspired to step into the gap left by the missing collector and care for a National Plant Collection.”