Science Weekly The seed bank storing the planet’s future
18 snips
Oct 21, 2025 In this enlightening conversation, Patrick Greenfield, a biodiversity reporter for The Guardian, shares insights from his visit to the Millennium Seed Bank. He discusses the adventurous global efforts to collect seeds and the intricate processes that ensure their survival. Greenfield highlights how these seeds aid in restoring endangered species, including a successful project revitalizing fire-ravaged landscapes in Australia. He also reflects on the passionate dedication of scientists working behind the scenes to safeguard our planet's plant biodiversity.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Seed Bank As Global Insurance
- The Millennium Seed Bank stores seeds to prevent plant extinction and enable habitat restoration.
- It acts as a global insurance policy for plant biodiversity maintained for future use.
A Bunker With A Surprising Smell
- Patrick describes the Wakehurst facility as a concrete bunker designed to withstand an aeroplane crash with solar-panelled arches above ground.
- He recalls the labs visible from the top floor and an unexpected apple smell in one section.
How To Collect Seeds Responsibly
- Collect seeds from many individuals but never more than 20% of available mature seed to avoid harming regeneration.
- Aim to sample over 50 individuals to capture genetic diversity in a small stored collection.