A Growing Tradition - Part 2

Imogen follows the rise of Seed Libraries including those starting in the Highlands

In Part 1, we explored the wonder of seeds, the way they hold the potential for life within their tiny shells, how they have been traded and saved for thousands of years, and how modern agriculture has distanced many of us from this simple, ancient act. But just as seeds persist, so too does the practice of saving and sharing them. Across the world, gardeners, farmers, and communities are reclaiming the right to grow, swap, and protect the heirloom varieties that are adapted to our specific climate, and will thrive as climate changes continue to occur. Working with nature and evolution.

Soon, I’ll be heading to my local public libary in Dingwall, my pockets full of envelopes of saved seeds - more than I will ever need, more than my garden can hold this year. Amongst them are beans from last year’s harvest, their mottled coats a reminder of summer’s long, light-filled days. There are wildflower seeds too, collected from my own garden - red campion, and bedding flowers - calendula (marigolds) flowers that have flourished here and now have the chance to bloom in someone else’s patch of earth.

Jenny Grant has been saving seed from the Ullapool Meadow Mosaic patches

This is what seed libraries are about, its not just giving seeds away, but keeping them in circulation, allowing plants to adapt and thrive in our local climate while strengthening our connection to the land.

Legal issues with seed distribution

For many years, the EU’s seed marketing regulations restricted the sale and exchange of non-registered seeds. The rules required that any seed sold had to be on an official national list, which involved costly and complex registration processes. This naturally favoured larger seed companies with more capacity to jump through the hoops, whilst it became difficult for small-scale farmers and gardeners to exchange traditional or heirloom seeds legally. Canada has had similar regulations under its Seeds Act, which requires varieties to be registered before they can be sold.

However, there has been some relaxation of these rules in recent years, especially with the rise of seed-saving movements. In 2021, the EU introduced new exemptions allowing small-scale, non-commercial seed exchanges outside of formal marketing regulations. This was a major win for seed sovereignty movements across Europe. In the UK Seed Swapping is legal (non-commercial exchange). However, it is illegal to sell any plant seed that is not listed on the National List managed by the National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB).

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

In the US, seed libraries have on occassion faced legal challenges due to state agricultural laws. Some US states attempted to apply commercial seed-testing laws (designed for large-scale farming) to small, community-run seed libraries.

For example, in Pennsylvania in 2014, a public library’s seed exchange programme was nearly shut down because it didn’t comply with commercial seed-labelling and testing laws. Similar issues arose in Minnesota and Maryland, where authorities initially viewed seed libraries as potential sources of "unregulated" seeds. These cases sparked a backlash, and several states eventually clarified their laws to protect community seed exchanges.

The Modern Seed Library Movement

In response to these challenges, seed libraries emerged as a strong grassroots movement to reclaim seed sovereignty, but seed libraries are really a modern expression of an ancient tradition.

Unlike traditional seed banks, such as the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, which stores seeds in a frozen Arctic vault for long-term preservation, seed libraries take a more community-driven approach. Instead of seeds being locked away for future generations, they are freely exchanged, grown, and returned by local gardeners. One of the earliest modern seed libraries was established in 1999 in California, aiming to preserve heirloom varieties and promote food security. Since then, the concept has spread globally, often hosted within public libraries, community centres and villiage halls.

Photo by Jael Rodriguez on Unsplash

Seed libraries operate much like traditional libraries: people ‘borrow’ seeds, grow the plants, and if they can, save some seeds from their plants to replant but also to return to the seed library to share and grow on for the next season. This keeps locally adapted plant varieties thriving and ensures community access to free, open-pollinated seeds.

Public libraries, with their focus on knowledge sharing and accessibility, have become natural homes for these seed collections, and they play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation. Many seed libraries focus on culturally significant plants, helping to preserve the natural heritage of different regions, by collecting and distributing the plants and wild flowers local that insects and pollinators need to survive.

If you are interested in reading more about this I recommend “The Story of the Modern Seed Library: A Historical Analysis of Seed Saving, Its Evolution Through the Ages, and Its Current Impact on Community, Culture, and Connection” by Jennifer K. Embree and Neyda V. Gilma. Link below:

Photo by Eco Warrior Princess on Unsplash

Trialling Seed Libraries in the Highlands

This spring, we are excited to be trialling three new seed libraries across the Highlands in Wick, Dingwall, and Caol. Each High Life Highland location will offer a selection of vegetable, herb, and flower seeds suited to local conditions, free for borrowing. This has been funded by CILIPs Green Libraries Fund. The aim is to encourage more people to engage in home gardening, start wildflower patches for pollinators, grow their own food, and contribute to community resilience.

Wick Seed Library is up and running

Participants can take seeds home, sow them, and, if possible, return seeds at the end of the season to replenish the library stock. Even those who are new to gardening can get involved, as there’s no obligation to return seeds right away, just to get growing. High Life Highland Library staff and Countryside Rangers, as well as local gardening groups will provide support, offering guidance on growing techniques and seed-saving best practices.

To mark the launch of the seed library in Dingwall, the library is also hosting a plant swap from 14th - 19th April . This event will feature a variety of locally grown plants, from vegetables and flowers to native species that support wildlife. It’s a fantastic opportunity to meet fellow gardeners, pick up plants for the growing season, and learn more about the importance of seed saving. Proceeds from any donations recieved will help sustain the seed library initiative, ensuring that more people can benefit from free access to diverse seeds.

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Why Seed Libraries Matter

Seed libraries are more than just a way to share seeds, they are a step toward a more resilient and self-sufficient future. By saving and swapping seeds locally, we reduce reliance on commercial varieties, many of which require chemical inputs and are poorly suited to Scotland’s changing climate.

They also strengthen food security. With rising costs and the uncertainties of climate change, growing food at home is an empowering way to ensure access to fresh, nutritious produce. Beyond food, seed libraries help preserve native wildflowers, supporting pollinators and the biodiversity that makes our landscapes thrive.

And that’s why I’ll be taking my saved seeds to the library as a contribution to the new seed library, passing them on, just as others will do in return, and who knows I might just get a new local variety to try this year in my garden. This is how we keep something growing, not just in our gardens, but in our communities.

Get Involved

If you’re in Wick, Dingwall, or Caol, visit your local High Life Highland hosted seed library, borrow seeds, share your own, or simply learn more. Its free, its accessible, its yours to use!

We hope this trial will lay the foundation for more seed libraries across the Highlands Library network, strengthening local food networks and building a culture of sharing and sustainability.

Every seed holds a story, millions of years old. Let’s grow them together.

Imogen Furlong, the High Life Highland Countryside Ranger Manager, is known for her enthusiasm, organisation, and drive. Her deep passion for the Scottish Highlands' wildlife and extensive experience in outdoor education and recreation management have been central to this role. Imogen is a practical and collaborative project manager, empowering her teams to work effectively in communities and contribute to local conservation efforts.