Chester Zoo recognised as UK’s first internationally important botanic garden

Chester Zoo has become the first zoo in the UK to be officially recognised as an internationally important botanic garden by Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI), and the charity cares for hundreds of plant species including five National Plant Collections.

Chester Zoo has been officially recognised as an internationally important botanic garden by Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI). The zoo is the first in the UK and only the second in Europe to receive the accreditation. Staff say the recognition reflects the conservation value of their plant collections and will strengthen collaboration with other horticultural and conservation organisations. The site combines gardens open to visitors with thousands of plants kept behind the scenes for conservation and research. Key details: - The zoo is reported to be the first in the UK and the second in Europe to receive BGCI accreditation. - BGCI assessed the site against 22 criteria including education, research, sustainability and overall conservation value. - Chester Zoo cares for hundreds of plant species, keeps thousands behind the scenes, and holds five National Plant Collections to safeguard cultivated plants. - Staff say they were entrusted with seeds from the Madeiran government for three rare island species, including Musschia isambertoi. - Musschia isambertoi is reported as nearly extinct in the wild after habitat loss; the zoo is attempting to recreate wild cliff conditions to encourage flowering and seed set. - The plant team also works on propagation and replanting of threatened UK species such as black poplar and operates indoor habitats like the Plant Project featuring cacti, orchids and pitcher plants. Summary: The BGCI accreditation recognises the zoo's formal role in plant conservation and is reported to support closer working with other organisations and expanded conservation activity. The recognition highlights both international work with rare island species and domestic efforts such as black poplar propagation. Undetermined at this time.