Conservation charity appeal to raise £200k

Conservation charity appeal to raise £200k

8 March 2023

A LOCAL conservation charity has launched an appeal to raise £200,000.

True Harvest Seeds, which is based in Kilclef, needs raise the money by end of August to build a purpose-built new home for its seed bank.

The purpose of the seed bank is preserve the seed of Ireland’s native flora in the event of de-habitation or climate change. 

There are hundreds of native flowers and plants in Ireland and the seed bank exists both to preserve them and to research their DNA.

It is currently situated within a set of temporary buildings that are reaching the end of their lifespan.

True Harvest Seeds also wishes to further develop its native botanical gardens to protect and showcase endangered and beautiful flora.

Debbie Gillies, CEO at True Harvest Seeds, said: “True Harvest Seeds is essentially a gene bank for our indigenous wild plants. We harness the science of seed conservation to safeguard our native species for future generations.

“We preserve seeds collected from populations of wild plants of native origin in our seed bank. It is of the utmost importance that we are able to secure a permanent, purpose-built structure to allow us to continue our work safely and effectively for the long term.”

She continued: “The seed centre will be open to the public and the seeds in the seed bank can be withdrawn for restoration or research upon application.

“As a charity, True Harvest Seeds and its seed bank are owned by the people of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland for use now and long into the future, as seed collections can last for thousands of years in deep storage.

“I would encourage donations from people across NI to help us raise the £200k that is urgently needed in order to secure the site by August 31.”

Debbie is helped by one staff member and 17 dedicated volunteers in all aspects of the seed bank’s operations, which include collecting, growing and storing the seed.

Michael Thompson, Trustee and Marketing Director at True Harvest Seeds, said: “Conserving endangered plant species is vital to the preservation of our ecosystems.

“Many plant species are currently facing extinction, both locally and globally, and it is vital for us to help protect them before it is too late.

“One of the ways that we aim to achieve this at True Harvest Seeds is by seed banking and our members are working tirelessly to raise money to build the necessary infrastructure to continue our efforts.”

To donate to True Harvest Seeds, visit: https://trueharvestseeds.org/donate/