The Scottish Orchid Society is passionate about conservation. Read on to find out more about our projects, useful links and conservation resources.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it’s the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead.
The Orchid Conservation Register
We are proud that our society members played a major role in developing the British Orchid Council Orchid Conservation Register.
The OCR records the species and rare hybrid orchids in the collections of UK amateur growers, so we can undertake conservation projects. This is called ‘ex situ conservation’ where orchids are cultivated outside of their natural habitat.
Our practical projects help ensure species survival when natural habitats are under threat. These include propagating and sharing our rare orchids with other growers and with botanical gardens.
A scientific poster presentation about the project was created by some of our members, and recently won an award at the World Orchid Conference 2026.
Native orchids in Scotland
There are just over 50 native orchid species in the UK and they are terrestrial (ground-living) plants. They are small in comparison to tropical species but just as beautifully fascinating. They too are under threat from habitat loss, climate change and pollinator disruption. There are a number of things which can be done to help protect them.
- NEVER dig up or take parts of any orchid plant without the consent of the landowner. For Schedule 8 endangered species it is also illegal to damage or move them at all without a licence from the NatureScot government agency.
- Join the Hardy Orchid Society and visit their excellent website for more information about native orchid conservation. A number of resources are available from the HOS to help conserve native orchids in the UK.
- Join your nearest Wildlife Trust or Plantlife, charities which conserve natural habitats and plants in the UK – get involved and speak up for orchids!
- Stop mowing in your garden and see what comes up! A number of our society members have found native orchids growing in their gardens and now manage mowing times to ensure they have a chance to grow, flower and set seed.
- If you see orchids growing where they are at risk of damage by mowing or other human activity, or grazing by animals, you can contact the landowner or local authority to ask them to manage the area protectively. Many companies and local authorities are now keen to demonstrate their environmental credentials. Download our template letter here to post or email:
Making the right consumer choices
As orchid enthusiasts it is vital that we make the right ethical choices when buying plants for our collections. International regulations including CITES and phytosanitary rules control the trade in orchids for their protection, and to prevent accidental transfer of devastating plant disease between countries. Sadly, however, many plants are still taken from the wild or moved illegally to supply international horticultural trade.
When choosing your orchids for purchase, PLEASE use reputable British nurseries who spend much time and effort to ensure regulations are followed. Join your nearest orchid society to exchange or swap plants with other British growers. Be wary of online sales when the seller is clearly trading as a business but does not disclose their business address and identity, and does not provide a UK Plant Passport. Be wary of individuals who cannot provide evidence of CITES or phytosanitary certificates for the imported orchids they are selling. In summary, check the back story before buying and if the seller cannot prove their claims please don’t buy from them, however tempting it might be.