We urgently need to raise funds to maintain and expand the Heritage Seed Library. This unique project conserves and reintroduces hundreds of vegetable varieties and builds a community of growers all helping to curb the dramatic loss of diversity in our food crops.
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Over the last century, 75% of crop varieties globally have been lost. Each variety represents valuable genetic diversity, a food source potentially resilient to climate extremes, and a piece of precious history. Our planet’s health depends on the diversity of flora and fauna, and the same applies to our own growing patches. As crop varieties decline, so too does the diversity of our gardens and veg patches, leaving growers vulnerable to widespread losses from extreme weather, pests or diseases.
Celebrating our 50th year, the Heritage Seed Library partners with growers to conserve the UK’s vegetable heritage — finding and protecting unique, local varieties for future generations. Each year, we actively grow and harvest seeds to allow them to adapt to challenges like climate change, pests and diseases. Seeds are shared with growers via members, community gardens and seed swaps. We teach skills so more people can grow and save their own seed from one harvest to the next.
