Unearthed - The need for seeds, with Cate Blanchett
Podcast

Unearthed - The need for seeds, with Cate Blanchett

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

28 episodes

From the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Unearthed returns — celebrating 25 years of the Millennium Seed Bank at Wakehurst, the most biodiverse place on our planet. Hosted by Cate Blanchett, Kew’s ambassador for Wakehurst, this series explores the story of the world’s largest wild seed bank — a vault and living laboratory where science and conservation meet. From restoring habitats to protecting biodiversity, these seeds hold the promise of our planet’s future. This is no distant insurance policy. It’s one we’re already relying on — and one that will only grow in importance as our climate changes and biodiversity is lost. As the Seed Bank marks its 25th anniversary, Cate discovers how its groundbreaking work is already shaping life on Earth — and why its mission has never mattered more. You can support the vital work of the Millennium Seed Bank by donating here: www.kew.org/seeds (https://www.kew.org/seeds) Instagram: @kewgardens (https://www.instagram.com/kewgardens/) Facebook: @kewgardens (https://www.facebook.com/kewgardens) YouTube: @kewgardens (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNa8wJk6VYIRK78JuDSRnTQ)

What this show covers

seed conservationMillennium Seed Bankseed bankingWakehurstplant biodiversityhabitat restorationfood securityKew GardensKing Charles IIIsustainabilityplant conservationfield sciencegermination researchclimate resiliencecryogenics

What listeners will find here

How a chapel freezer became a global vault for the world’s wild seeds
The Millennium Seed Bank’s story begins with a chest freezer in an English chapel and grows into a vast global effort to protect wild plants. Cate Blanchett explores its origins, the seeds it stores, and why they matter for food security and habitat restoration.
King Charles III reflects on seeds, conservation, and Kew’s global mission
This special episode centers on King Charles III in conversation with Cate Blanchett and seed conservation scientist Dr Elinor Breman. Set in the gardens of Windsor Castle, it looks at the Millennium Seed Bank’s origins, progress, and role in protecting plant life for the future.
Inside the vault preserving 2.5 billion seeds for the future
The Millennium Seed Bank stores more than 2.5 billion seeds, and this episode follows how they’re collected, studied, and preserved. Cate Blanchett joins a field mission, visits the labs at Wakehurst, and meets researchers connecting seed science to global restoration work.
Seeds in space, deep freeze, and a global plan for the next 25 years
The episode looks ahead to the future of seed conservation through space experiments, cryogenic preservation, and international collaboration. Cate Blanchett follows how the Millennium Seed Bank is preparing for extreme environments on Earth and beyond.
Cate Blanchett explores why the Millennium Seed Bank matters more than ever
The episode focuses on the Millennium Seed Bank at Wakehurst as it marks 25 years of protecting wild seeds. Hosted by Cate Blanchett, it looks at how seed banking supports habitat restoration, biodiversity protection, and a changing planet.

Episodes

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