Orchids

The Zoo has a very large and diverse collection of orchids. With over 1,000 plants representing 400+ species it is probably one of the best in the North West. Most of our orchid collection is grown in the Zoos Garden Nursery. As individual plants come into flower they are put on public display in the Grow Zone.

We are also the joint National Collection holders of the Plerothallidinae group of orchids. Steve Manning, a private orchid grower from Tarporley, started the collection some 15 years ago and now has over 1,000 species. The Zoo holds approximately one third of this collection. The National Plant Collection scheme is run by the NCCPG (National Council for the Conservation of Plants and Gardens), and with over 600 plant collections held throughout the country is a very important organisation in the conservation of plant species and cultivars.