Millennium Seed Bank
Welcome to our bank with underground vaults. There's no cash in this bank, but you will find seeds. Lots of them. 2.4 billion to be precise.
Storing seeds at the Millennium Seed Bank by RBG KewRoyal Botanic Gardens, Kew
An exceptional global seed bank
It is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. Located in the picturesque heart of rural Sussex, in South East England, Wakehurst is Kew's wild botanic garden.
It is a treasure trove of scientific brilliance.
Banked seeds at the Millennium Seed Bank by RBG KewRoyal Botanic Gardens, Kew
We are conserving the seeds by banking them for the future. This is part of our effort to preserve and protect biodiversity in the UK and abroad.
By storing seeds away from their natural habitat, we are giving a safe home to some of the world’s most threatened plants.
Our seed collection by RBG KewRoyal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Through the Millennium Seed Bank we can help reintroduce the plants back into the wild. We also conduct research here about the future of food and medicines. Close to a hundred countries have contributed to this collection over the past two decades.
Scientist at the Millennium Seed Bank by RBG KewRoyal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Look through the glass atrium and you will see our scientists hard at work. Here you can also track the journey of a seed from the drying chamber through to seed cleaning and processing. Our interactive exhibitions delve deeper into the world of seeds.
Millennium Seed Bank: a vast collection of over 2.4 billion seeds from across the world by RBG KewRoyal Botanic Gardens, Kew
2 in 5 plant species are at risk of extinction. Scientific projects like the Millennium Seed Bank are critical in protecting plant life for today and tomorrow. Almost all of the UK’s native plant species are preserved in our seed bank.
Nursery at Wakehurst by RBG KewRoyal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Many of the seeds from the bank germinate at Wakehurst. They are nurtured by our staff.
The Millennium Seed Bank at Wakehurst
Tap to explore
Journey of a seed by RBG KewRoyal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Interested in Natural history?
Get updates with your personalized Culture Weekly
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.