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Millennium Seed Bank Celebrates 25 Years of Conservation

10/21/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Millennium Seed Bank in Haywards Heath, England, preserves 2.5 billion seeds from 40,000 species.
Opened in 2000, it marks its 25th anniversary with a podcast featuring King Charles III.
The facility dries and tests seeds before storage, extending lifespan.
Kew has partnered with 279 organizations and launched a £30 million fund to boost conservation.
Many flowering plants are at risk, making the seed bank an insurance for future ecosystems.

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Story summary

The Millennium Seed Bank in Haywards Heath, England, preserves 2.5 billion seeds from 40,000 species.
Opened in 2000, it marks its 25th anniversary with a podcast featuring King Charles III.
The facility dries and tests seeds before storage, extending lifespan.
Kew has partnered with 279 organizations and launched a £30 million fund to boost conservation.
Many flowering plants are at risk, making the seed bank an insurance for future ecosystems.