A new immersive view into the fish’s underwater world!

🌿🐟 🌿🐟 The Koi Carp fish had their final splash in the Tropical Glasshouse pond yesterday before their exciting move to their new bespoke, heated pond near our playground! The new pond has been customised especially for our Koi, to ensure they have the best facilities so that they remain happy and healthy. Our maintenance team who have been looking after the fish for over 15 years ensured a safe and smooth transition for the fish, as their well-being is our top priority. Moving the Koi to their new home will create a brilliant new experience for visitors! The new pond is designed with a stunning side glass viewing pane, offering more accessible and immersive visibility into the fish’s underwater world! Get ready to see their aquatic antics up close and personal, the pond will be open for visitors to view soon- a spectacle you won’t want to miss! This has been made possible with funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. With thanks to National Lottery players.

A new immersive view into the fish’s underwater world!

You’re probably wondering what will happen to the pond in the Tropical Glasshouse? This gives us the exciting opportunity to honour the rich heritage of the Botanical Gardens and to restore the pond back to its original purpose.

The Tropical Glasshouse, formerly known as the Lily House, was built in 1852 with an original design featuring a purpose-built pond to showcase the breathtaking giant water lily! This botanical marvel remained a beloved feature in the Gardens’ plant collection for many years, leaving visitors in awe of its sheer beauty and size! Over time, the plant collection in the Glasshouse expanded to include more tropical specimens.
This historical photograph from 1910 captures the daughter of Thomas Humphries (a former curator of the Gardens) daringly sitting on a chair on top of the giant water lily leaf!
A new immersive view into the fish’s underwater world!
As part of our ‘Growing our Green Heritage’ project we’re delighted to announce the return of the giant water lily!  You’ll see preparations of the pond happening and the germination of the water lily; Victoria cruziana is underway!
Stay tuned for all the latest updates as we embark on this exciting botanical heritage journey!