Kew’s Rare & Extinct exhibition

I had the privilege of working as a researcher and writer on Rare and Extinct, an exhibition held in the Temperate House at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. This was my first major freelance project since working as an Interpretation Producer for Kew for over 9 years, and it was both a challenge and a joy to help bring it to life.

The exhibition invited visitors into Kew’s hidden world of plant conservation—offering a rare glimpse of the species usually kept behind the scenes in the Tropical Nursery. My role was to delve into the stories of these rare and threatened plants, and more importantly, to capture the voices of the passionate horticulturists, scientists, and curators working tirelessly to protect them.

Interviewing these colleagues, many of whom are too modest about the impact of their work, was a highlight. The depth of their knowledge and commitment to saving species from extinction was humbling. Working alongside the wider creative and scientific teams, under tight deadlines and with a shared sense of urgency, made the process even more rewarding.

From extinct-in-the-wild palms to delicate orchids teetering on the edge of survival, Rare and Extinct told a story of hope and resilience. It also shone a light on the essential but often overlooked skill of conservation horticulture, highlighting why growing, caring for, and understanding plants matters more than ever.

The exhibition was met with fantastic press coverage and warmly received by visitors and colleagues alike, an affirmation of the power of storytelling rooted in science, care, and collaboration. I’m proud to have played a part in it.