Saving Orchids

"Will our grandchildren still be able to enjoy our beautiful planet’s

current biodiversity at the end of this century? "

We are delighted to welcome Phil Seaton to talk us about Orchid Conservation around the world. We first met Phil at a specialist orchid event, where he gave a fascinating talk and we couldn't wait to book him to talk to our group!

After taking early retirement from Biology teaching, Phil became project managed for the Darwin Initiative project, Orchid Seed Stores for sustainable use (OSSSU), based at the Millennium Seedbank. His focus now is on communicating the importance of conserving orchid biodiversity by giving talks, writing articles and delivering workshops, teaching people how to grow orchids from seed. He runs a small orchid lab in a local school, providing pupils with an opportunity to develop valuable practical skills.

Phil has travelled the world promoting orchid conservation, and meeting many of the wonderful people who are equally passionate about conserving orchids. He is the author of several books, most recently Saving Orchids: Species Survival in a Changing World, with Dr Lawrence Zettler in the USA

Phil's talk will consist of stories of orchid conservation from around the world, ranging from orchid seed banking in the UK to reintroduction projects in the Australian outback and Brazil's Atlantic Forest, emphasizing the importance of education and community involvement. 

Like all good educators, Phil says he is constantly learning about different projects (for example, he has just found out that medicinal orchids are being grown on ancient tea trees in China), and his talk will contain as much up-to-date information as he can muster.

Phil's talk will be followed by tea/coffee and yummy cakes. Please don't forget small gifts for the raffle and bring along plants of seasonal interest to show to the group.

Please arrive from 1.45pm so the talk can begin promptly at 2.15pm.