A group of Year 7 students from Writhlington School have planted precious orchids into terrariums onboard the SS Great Britain in Bristol to bring history to life.
In the Victorian era, the ship transported rare and valuable orchids across the ocean in Wardian Cases, and the species planted by Writhlington School students echo those carried by the ship.
Wardian Cases revolutionised long-distance plant transport. Each sealed case created its own microclimate, allowing flora to survive despite only being watered once during a two-month crossing.
“It’s tremendous for our students to be part of recreating such a pivotal moment in botanical history when living plants were travelling between continents for the first time.”
Simon Antwis, head of biology at Writhlington School
By enabling the global migration of plants, the SS Great Britain connected key botanists, nurserymen and ‘plant hunters’ from across the world.
Writhlington School, based in Radstock, is known for its expertise in orchid propagation and growth. The Writhlington School Orchid Project has been running for over 30 years, and students care for more than 240 square metres of orchids. The project now boasts the third largest collection of orchids in the country.
Simon Antwis who leads the Orchid Project and is head of biology at Writhlington School said: “It’s been fantastic to have our students grow and plant up orchids in the Wardian case on the SS Great Britain.
“Our orchids are propagated from seed and grown organically without chemicals, and are watered with rainwater, really echoing the Victorian approach.
“It’s tremendous for our students to be part of recreating such a pivotal moment in botanical history when living plants were travelling between continents for the first time.”
Visiting schools will be able to view the orchids planted by Writhlington School from 22nd July when all six Wardian cases will be completed and on display at the visitor attraction as permanent new exhibits.
Iona Keen, head of interpretation at Brunel’s SS Great Britain, added: “Bringing together the Writhlington School Orchid Project and the horticultural history of the SS Great Britain is a tremendous honour.
“It is remarkable that the students have been able to plant the same varieties of orchid today that would have travelled onboard in the 1860s.”
Teachers booking a school visit to SS Great Britain can choose from a range of tours, talks and workshops, with more information available at www.ssgreatbritain.org.
