A PRISON near Thornbury has been named as the first in the UK to receive a new accolade after protecting and looking after a rare flower species.
HMP Eastwood Park in Falfield has been awarded National Plant Collection status by horticultural conservation charity Plant Heritage.
The site - which is a prison and young offender institution for women - has a collection of Tulbaghia and is currently cared for by two female prisoners.
Together with Gary Stone, HMP Eastwood Park’s horticultural craftsman, they care for the 11 different species of Tulbaghia, which are dotted around the prison garden in pots.
The female prisoners have learnt how to look after the collection, including repotting, labelling and helping with the paperwork, which develops many different skills.
The star-shaped flowers bloom in late summer and into early autumn, and bring a pretty range of whites, pinks and delicate purples into the garden.
Gary said: “I always wanted to be the first UK prison to hold a National Plant Collection so I’m incredibly proud that together with our prisoners we have achieved this.
“The benefits of growing and caring for our Tulbaghia collection are endless; our prisoners learn about the plants, how to look after them, and take ownership of something that matters – which is something many have never experienced before.
“We hope our achievement will encourage other prisons to take an active role in plant conservation too.”
He added: “I would also like to thank David and Penny Ross, and Steve Hickman from Hoyland Plant Centre for their support in setting up our collection.
“They also hold National Plant Collections of Tulbaghia, and have been incredibly helpful.”
The charity says the National Plant Collection recognises ‘living libraries’ of different plant groups all across the country, held by individuals in gardens or greenhouses.
Organisers say it is hoped different plants remain in cultivation and don’t get lost from UK gardens.
The White Hart pub in Bitton was also recognised for having a Crocosmia collection, making it the first pub in the UK to receive this honour.
Gill Groombridge from Plant Heritage, said: “We’re thrilled that the UK’s first pub and prison now both hold National Plant Collections.
“The National Plant Collections are a vital resource that can, alongside other wild and cultivated plants, help us mitigate against the challenges of climate change.
“In the ever-changing world we live in, plants are constantly under threat from emerging pests and diseases, fluctuating weather patterns or changing fashions.
“To combat these threats, we work with Collection Holders across the country to ensure that different plant groups are protected.”
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