The idea
The Glyme Valley Seed Bank Initiative unites 12 historic walled gardens in Oxfordshire to establish a distributed and resilient seed bank, safeguarding biodiversity and the cultural heritage of the region. Drawing from centuries-old traditions of botanical stewardship, the project integrates the unique legacies of Jacobean and Tudor estates with modern conservation efforts. By celebrating the valley's 'Parks and Valleys' identity, the initiative fosters ecological resilience while addressing pressing challenges like climate change and food security. This collaborative community effort ensures the preservation of the area's rich botanical history, creating a sustainable living repository that bridges natural and cultural heritage.
What we'll deliver
- Create a historic survey of the two pilot walled gardens : Rousham and Chastleton
- Index and list all plants in Rousham Walled Garden and Chastleton Walled Garden
- Quantify the ££ value of the plants in the walled gardens
- Quantify the amount of seeds and propagation material to be gained from each walled garden
- Identify the relevance of the plantstock in feeding the immediate regional population
- Provide training days from Garden Organic for each walled garden allocated 'seed guardian'
- Provide training days for the public to frequent an learn about seed saving
- Provide a community open event 'seed swap' to celebrate the start of the new HUSK network
Why it's a great idea
- Promotes ecological resilience and sustainability by creating a robust regional seed repository to address climate change and food security challenges.
- Celebrates and preserves the valley's unique cultural and natural heritage, connecting historic Jacobean and Tudor estates to an environmentally driven cause.
- Encourages community engagement and education through collaborative conservation efforts, fostering stewardship and local involvement.
- Enhances biodiversity by safeguarding the genetic heritage of historically significant plant species.
- Provides opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration across horticulture, history, ecology, and community activism.
- Strengthens the Glyme Valley’s ‘Parks and Valleys’ identity, blending cultural legacy with modern ecological imperatives.
- Facilitates collaboration and knowledge exchange between local conservationists, horticulturists, and historians.
Steps to get it done
- Chronicle 200 seed varieties in the two pilot sites
- Establish two education days with Garden Organic and Kew Gardens for the staff and community
- Create an apothecary for each site
- Create a community event for each site
- Compile a recipe book for each site based on the seed varieties chronincled
