The Writhlington School Orchid project is developing innovative approaches to conservation through enterprise and co-operation on a global scale. The project involves hundreds of pupils through vocational courses and extra-curricular activities. At the heart of the project is the School Greenhouse containing one of the UK’s leading orchid collections and a Micro-propagation laboratory where students raise thousands of orchid species from seed each year.
Conservation Projects
The Greenhouse
Our new greenhouse is set out into different climate zones: Warm America, Warm Asia, Cool America, Cool Asia, and Temperate Sub-Tropical. We also have a micro-propagation lab.
Warm Asia
Warm Asia is the hottest of our greenhouses, with a temperature zone from 20 – 33 degrees C, and our vents open at 26 degrees. It is home to mainly Dendrobiums, Vandas, and Paphiopedilums.
Warm America
Warm America has a temperature zone from 18 – 33 degrees C, and our vents open at 25 degrees. It is home to mainly Prosthecheas, Cattleyas, and Stanhopeas.
Cool America
Cool America has a temperature zone from 12 – 28 degrees C, and our vents open at 22 degrees. It is home to mainly Masdevallias, Oncidiums, and Laellias.
Cool Asia
Cool Asia has a temperature zone from 10 – 28 degrees C, and our vents open at 17 degrees. It is home to mainly Coelogynes, Dendrobiums, and Cymbidiums.
Temperate sub-tropical
Temperate Sub-Tropical is out coolest section with a temperature zone from 4 – 26 degrees C, and our vents open at 7 degrees. It is home to mainly Pleiones and Disas.
The Micropropagation Lab
The micro-propagation lab is kept around 23 degrees C, and is home to all of the orchids in flack. We grow a lot of orchids from seed so our lab is very full as you can see from this picture.
The classroom
In the middle of the greenhouses is a classroom which is used in many ways. It is used for classes to come and learn the techniques of micro-propagation of orchids. Also it is the main base of greenhouse club. It is where we all meet at lunch time and after school.
Come and have a look
If you would like to come and have a look for yourself please contact use at our contact page. you can also see us at shows and open days which are stated above. Come along and have some fun.