Our growing army of dedicated seed collecting and conserving volunteers have been shortlisted for an ‘Environment Champion Award’ in the community category of the 12th Community Inspiration Awards 2024.

This award recognises an individual or organisation that’s been helping to make positive improvements to the environment.

Please vote here by 30 June if you think our hard-working Guardians deserve to win the award!

Seed Guardians play an essential role at our Heritage Seed Library, conserving rare vegetable varieties for current and future generations.

“Each heritage variety thriving under the care of a Seed Guardian expands our options for developing resilient plants,” says head of the Heritage Seed Library Catrina Fenton. “These dedicated volunteers produce approximately half of the seeds needed for conservation efforts each year, ensuring the continued existence of these varieties.

“Their passion for the work empowers individuals to participate in growing, saving, breeding, and developing edible heirlooms, safeguarding biodiversity for the future.”

The Community Inspiration Awards are organised by The Community Foundation, to recognise outstanding contributions made by staff from public and voluntary sector organisations, businesses and members of the community, whose efforts have made a positive difference in the community and have inspired and motivated others.

More about our Seed Guardians

Spanning various locations and backgrounds, the Heritage Seed Library Seed Guardians grow heirloom beans, peas, and other notable vegetables to replenish and secure the seed shelf-life of the National Collection.

They take on the responsibility of producing, saving, and returning seeds, cultivating plants in their gardens and allotments, and collecting, cleaning, and drying the seeds for preservation. In the face of biodiversity loss and challenges like climate change, preserving a wide range of species and varieties is crucial.

The awards ceremony and dinner will take place on 20 September, 2024, at the Al Miraj Banqueting Suite, in Birmingham, where the finalists and winners will be announced.

Online voting is now open to help the judges select the five finalists for each category. Use this link to cast your vote.