Biodiversity is declining faster than at any time in human history. In our lifetime we have lost many hundreds of local vegetable varieties, previously grown for generations by seed producers, families and communities. Varieties have been lost due to seeds themselves being hybridised for consistency, with controlled production methods producing uniform traits, such as size, shape or colour. As varieties disappear, we edge closer to food and seed monocultures and a reduction in biodiversity.

The Heritage Seed Library was created in 1975 to counter decline and preserve this valuable genetic resource. We grow ‘at risk’ varieties at our HQ and through a network of volunteers; store the seed for safekeeping; and then share surplus with our members. This living library gets seed back in the hands of growers, building the biodiversity in veg patches across the country. We currently protect nearly 800 rare vegetable varieties but we desperately need to adapt and expand our work to do more.