Extinct ‘mountain jewel’ plant returned to wild - in secret location

A rare plant that had disappeared from the wild has been successfully reintroduced to the UK mainland. The location of the reintroduction is being kept confidential to protect the plant from any potential harm. With one in six species in the UK currently endangered, it is crucial to take action to preserve and protect them. Robbie Blackhall-Miles, a pioneering horticulturist, played a key role in the return of the plant to its native soil. His nursery, nestled in a quiet area of North Wales, is home to valuable plants that are so precious they cannot even be insured. There is still a thriving market for rare and special plants, often leading to illegal picking and high monetary value. Robbie's mission is to contribute to the restoration of biodiversity in the UK by reintroducing the extinct rosy saxifrage, also known as the mountain jewel, to Eryri or Snowdonia. The last sighting of the rosy saxifrage in the wild in the UK dates back to 1962, within the Cwm Idwal nature reserve in Eryri. Robbie, accompanied by a National Trust ranger, took a reporter to Cwm Idwal to visit the location where the plant was last observed. The rosy saxifrage belongs to a family of mountain plants that flourished during the Ice Age when northern Britain was frozen over. However, their delicate appearance and beautiful flowers made them a target for plant collectors, ultimately leading to their extinction on the UK mainland. The reintroduction of the plant marks a significant milestone for Robbie, who has dedicated 10 years to nurturing it. He feels privileged to be involved in preserving a part of the plant's legacy and remains optimistic about its survival in its native environment.