Drop off and collection service
Stroud Community Seed Bank launches new drop off and collection service for seed donations plant seeds needed to support future food security
Stroud Community Seed Bank, an initiative founded by Down to Earth Stroud in 2013, is introducing new ways for people to donate plant seeds and discover how they can help support local food sovereignty and security.
From the 6th September and every first Saturday of the month, people will be able to drop off seeds at Down to Earth’s stall at Stroud Farmers’ Market, find out more about the work of the seed bank and what’s needed to preserve seeds for future food security. Down to Earth is also introducing a new service for the less mobile by arranging individual drop off and seed collection appointments.
Founder Amanda Godber said:
“UK food security is looking more vulnerable than ever, with threats to farming land, commercial over-development and native species of fruit and veg being lost. Saving seeds is a way of helping to preserve our native species and this is how each of us, in our own individual way, can contribute to maintaining our food future and security. We also welcome donations for flowers and herbs”.
Amanda Godber
Saving seeds has other benefits and Amanda continued: “seeds are the foundation of our food chain and healthy nutritious food is totally reliant on healthy, unadulterated seeds. There is an increasing number of younger growers in the South West who recognise the need for food security and through The Gaia Foundation, the donations we receive for our seeds also enable us offer a number of bursaries for training. This starts with seeds and we want to do all we can to help”.
Down to Earth would also welcome enquiries from potential volunteers: “our main group of Seed Guardians, who have worked so hard over the last few years, collecting in seeds, cleaning, packing, storing, meeting quality & quantity expectations, as well as co-ordinating distribution throughout Stroud, are taking a well earned break” says Amanda. “This is fascinating, valuable work and we welcome enquiries from anyone who would like to be involved”.
For more information, including collection days for the less mobile, contact Down to Earth on 01453 700011 or email seedbank@downtoearthstroud.co.uk – more information about the Gaia Foundation Bursaries is available at https://gaiafoundation.org/