Seed Saving as an Act of Community Resilience & Sovereignty.
People have been collecting seed for hundreds of years adding to the biodiversity and balance of the ecosystem but since the commercialization of the seed trade in the 19th century this all changed and is still changing as you read.
Saving your own seed is important for many reasons, apart from being a rewarding practice completing the circle of the seasons it is also important because we are loosing the biodiversity of seeds (and therefore plants) which has many effects on the surrounding environment,Since the turn of the 20th century we have lost about 96% of the seeds that were common at that time.
The commercial seed industry is now dominated by chemical and biotech corporations such as Monsanto and independant seed companies have been left by the wayside. This has also had a big effect on farmers worldwide.
We should all have access to a bank of open pollenated and non-GMO seeds. Community seed banks can provide seeds with local characteristics, plants that have adapted to our immediate surroundings and appropriate heirloom variaties for our area. Saving seed in this way supports our health and well-being, italso helps to save them and us from extinction!
* 95% of the seed sold in garden centres is F1 Hybrid. You can’t save true seed from them. They’re like a one-year rental.(Source: Garden Organic/Garden Organic’s Heritage Seed Library).
* When we save seed from the strongest, tastiest plants that thrive here—in our soil, with our weather—we are locally adapting our food. Over years, we create Landrace varieties uniquely suited to Malvern. (Concept from The Gaia Foundation’s Seed Sovereignty Programme).
* This isn’t just gardening. It’s food sovereignty. It’s taking back control of the first link in the food chain. It’s community resilience.
Have you ever grown something from a seed a friend or neighbour gave you?
That act is ancient and powerful. It builds networks outside of corporate systems. It’s participation in a seed solidarity economy!“
Currently you can access the Seed bank through the local charity Malvern Green Space, they hold a community sharing hub on the first Saturday of every month at Rodway Hall, Redland Road, Malvern, WR14 1LY 11am till 3pm.
We would really love to develop the seedbank so it is accesssable more often and to hold more events. We would also like a bigger stock of open pollunated, landrace seeds and to tell their stories. If you are interested in helping us with this work please do get in touch.
🌱 SEED & PLANT SWAP – HOW IT WORKS
It’s simple!
1. DROP OFF
Place your seeds, seedlings, and plants on the tables. Please label them if you can – we have pens and labels there!
2. BROWSE
Take your time exploring what others have brought. Ask questions – fellow gardeners love to chat!
3. CHOOSE
Take what you’d like to grow – as many as you need. No limit, just be kind and share.
4. ENJOY
Grab a cuppa, meet new friends, and get inspired!
No plants to bring? No problem! You’re still welcome to browse and take.
welcome 