The National Seed Bank of Wales, housed in the garden’s science centre, is a lab equipped to professionally dry, clean, test and store seeds. It currently holds just 11% of Welsh flora.
Over two years, the project will expand this work to collect and bank seeds from 100 plants found on Sites of Special Scientific Interest across Wales.
Dr Kevin McGinn, Curator of the Seed Bank and Herbarium at the National Botanic Garden of Wales, said: “Seed conservation offers a crucial safety net for our native flora. By expanding the National Seed Bank of Wales, we can safeguard the genetic diversity of threatened plant populations and build a vital resource to support nature recovery and future research.”
Infrastructure at the Waun Las National Nature Reserve will also be improved with repairs to fencing, targeted herbivore exclusion and improved stock-water systems. This will enable more nature-friendly grazing from livestock, helping maintain and restore species-rich grasslands and resilient woodlands.
Local people will be invited to connect with natural heritage through a community engagement programme. This includes a Bioblitz Festival and immersive virtual-reality experiences where people can learn about plant conservation.
This project was awarded funding through the Nature Networks Fund, distributed by the Heritage Fund on behalf of the Welsh Government and in partnership with Natural Resources Wales.
