Adopting Endangered Seeds
Amritaculture is encouraging us to participate in the preservation of seed biodiversity by committing to the propagation of rare or threatened seed varieties that are native to our climatic growing region. This blog explores how we can fulfil this responsibility here in the UK.
By preserving rare heirloom seeds, we can become part of a growing movement of people dedicated to the conservation of our planet’s rich biological diversity. Many heirloom seed varieties, that have been passed down through many generations, are now facing extinction since we have now lost over 90% of the planet’s biodiversity.
Native varieties are resilient and robust and have adapted to their regional areas over time. As a plant variety is grown in a particular region and the seeds harvested, the genes of that plant become better suited to the region’s climate patterns. If the seed is shared among local growers, it will adapt to the region’s weather, sunlight, rainfall, diseases, soil type, and pests, learning to flourish. Our planet is warming, and weather patterns are changing, therefore it is imperative that we nurture native plants whose starting point is a close fit to regional conditions, since they will be better able to adapt to local climatic changes.
Adopting seed varieties need not be difficult. The Heritage Seed Library has produced a comprehensive guide to saving seeds available for free via the Garden Organic website. Beginners can choose an easier to grow variety such as beans or peas, and more experienced growers can widen their repertoire.
So, how do we adopt endangered seeds in the UK?
You can find rare or threatened varieties in need of guardianship that are native to your region by attending local seed swaps, networking with local gardeners, or looking on heirloom seed websites. You may consider joining the Heritage Seed Library who supply unique and rare heirloom varieties exclusively to their members. You can choose from a selection of heirloom seeds, but keep in mind that some of these may not be local to your region. Once you have chosen your regional variety, grow your plants, following organic growing principles, saving as many seeds as you can. Keep as many seeds as you like for next year’s growing season and share your extra seeds among like-minded local gardeners.
Here is a list of just a few vegetables in danger of going extinct in the UK:
Walthamstow Yellow Cress
This variety of cress is native to the East End of London. It is very close to extinction and currently there is only one known producer cultivating it, an East End organic food growing cooperative who add it to their box scheme. It once grew wild in the rough grasslands of Lea valley and is believed to have originated in North Scandinavia. It was discovered in Lockwood reservoir, which has now been built up, in 1971 by a botanist. It has been found in two other East End locations, but only one of these three remains. It has a mild mustardy flavour that adds a nice kick to leafy salad dishes.
The Altrincham carrot
Also known as the Superb Carrot or the Green Topped carrot, this vegetable is believed to have originated in the village of Altrincham in Cheshire, in the Northwest of England in the early 1800s. It was once widely eaten in England and popular in the Manchester area; however, it is now a rare find and is only known among gardeners and small local producers. It is a slender, irregular carrot with bright orange/red roots. True to its name, the top is green since two inches of it grow above ground. It has a mild flavour making it delicious grated raw in salads or cooked in soups or stews.
The Norfolk Purple Turnip
This heritage turnip was promoted by Charles the 2nd Viscount Townshead and was grown in Norfolk since the 1680s. The vegetable was used as the mainstay of ‘Turnip Townshead’s’ four field Norfolk Rotation, which played a key role in the agricultural revolution of the early 1700s.
James Long Keeping Onion
This Old English variety originated in Surrey in the 18th Century. It is named after a market gardener who sold it in Lambeth Marsh. Once popular, it has now become scarce and since the 1990s is no longer widely available. As its name suggests, The James Long is an excellent keeper and over winterer. It has a strong aromatic flavour and is a versatile addition to many dishes. It is a medium sized oval shaped onion with brown skin.
Martock beans
The Martock bean relies on local gardeners for its survival since it is no longer grown commercially. It is perfectly suited for beginners since it is easy to maintain, and the seeds are simple to dry and collect. The bean takes its name from the village of Martock in Somerset, and is said to be grown there by the vicar. Records going back to the 12th century indicate that the bean was eaten at feasts and was a staple of the medieval diet. It is a broad bean, smaller and prettier than its conventional cousin, with deep red flowers, growing up to 1.5 metres high.
By adopting a seed, we can foster the lineage of the fruits, herbs and vegetables that nourish and sustain us, while fulfilling our responsibility to our planet, Mother Nature and future generations yet to come.
Find all about Amma’s Adopt a Seed Campaign. If you are new to seed saving and would like to learn more, check out Amritaculture: Seed Saving.
With thanks to Amritaculture, Garden Organic, the Heritage Seed Library, the Slow Food Foundation, Arc of Taste and the Real Seed Company for the above information.
Chloe and Eben at GreenFriends UK
