Cate Blanchett is more than a Hollywood star; she’s also diving into the world of seeds. Recently, she visited Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank, based in West Sussex, to celebrate its 25th anniversary. During her visit, she shared her passion for the unique banksia seeds from her home country, Australia. These unusual seeds only open in intense heat, which she describes as both brutal and beautiful.
The Millennium Seed Bank (MSB) houses over 2.5 billion seeds from various plant species worldwide. These seeds are carefully processed and stored at very low temperatures to ensure their longevity. Dr. Elinor Breman from the MSB explains that their goal is to return these seeds to nature, helping restore ecosystems worldwide. For example, in Sussex, they are working to revive rare chalk grasslands.
This seed bank plays a crucial role in conservation and was first viewed as a safeguard against extinction. Now, it also contributes to restoring environments damaged by wildfires, particularly in light of increasing climate threats. Following the intense bushfires in Australia in 2019, the MSB’s collections were vital for recovery efforts.
Blanchett has become actively involved in their work, and her experience has transformed her perspective on gardening. “I’m trying to turn my brown thumbs green,” she jokes. She emphasizes the importance of the MSB, remarking, “You leave uplifted. Change is possible, and it’s happening.”
The work of the MSB is also backed by data from conservation studies. According to a report from the Global Biodiversity Outlook, a significant portion of the Earth’s plant species face extinction. This highlights the continued importance of initiatives like the MSB, as it strives to safeguard biodiversity for the future.
Through her role as an ambassador, Blanchett raises awareness about the vital need to protect our natural heritage and emphasizes that the seed bank is a bright spot in conservation efforts. As she puts it, “This is one of the good news stories we need to hear more about.”
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