Millennium Seed Bank

The world’s largest underground seed bank and conservation resource for diverse wild plant species.

Researcher wearing large protective coat, holding jar of seeds, in the vault of the Millennium Seed Bank

The Millennium Seed Bank (MSB) is home to over 2.5 billion seeds from wild plants, representing over 40,000 different species and taxa from countries worldwide.  

This is the most diverse wild plant resource on Earth – conserved and managed on behalf of more than 100 countries and territories, and whenever possible available for research and restoration.

Seeds are collected by Kew scientists and partners through the Millennium Seed Bank Partnership. Using collected seeds, Kew and its partners engage in restoration projects and capacity-building programmes. It is critical that seeds are not just stored in cold rooms, but that they are used to support ecosystems and help address the biodiversity crisis. 

A world-class research facility in Sussex, UK, the MSB is solar panelled and well-protected against potential disasters like floods or fire.

Laboratories and seed processing facilities are on-site for curators and scientists to germinate and study seeds, helping to identify plants and species that can adapt to the global climatic conditions of the future. Seeds are stored long-term - decades - in underground vaults under freezing conditions, while others are kept in -196 celsius liquid nitrogen within cryopreservation tanks. 

Whether you want to become our next collaborator, use our facilities and seeds for your research, or learn more about the power of seeds for global conservation, find out more in the links below.

Collections, Research & Partnerships

Find out more about the seeds in our vault, our partnerships spanning more than 100 countries, or the latest research from our seed and stress biology department.

Millennium Seed Bank Partnership

Banking the world’s seeds to safeguard wild plant diversity and enable nature-based solutions through global partnerships

Seed Collection

The Seed Collection represents the greatest concentration of living seed and plant diversity on Earth. Situated in the Millennium Seed Bank, it’s a global resource for conservation and sustainable use.

Seed and Stress Biology

Examining diversity and adaptations in seeds affecting functional traits, from longevity and stress tolerance to germination.
Two researchers discussing around a microscope.

Access our facilities and collections

Use our resources to enable your programme

Access our seed collection
View our seed bank laboratories
Millennium Seed Bank in summer with meadow flowers
Millennium Seed Bank Meadow at Wakehurst, Jim Holden © RBG Kew
Three people kneel in a green grassy field collecting orchid seeds until a cloud filled sky
Anush, Aisyah and Leigh Anne collecting orchid seeds
A seed about to undergo ‘chipping’- this is just as it sounds, the seeds are chipped to allow water to enter which aids germination.
A seed about to undergo ‘chipping’; this is just as it sounds, the seeds are chipped to allow water to enter which aids germination. © RBG Kew
Young woman sits surrounded by bags and gear in a rocky desert landscape, storing seeds in a brown envelope
Naomi Mdayi collecting succulent seeds, Northern Cape © SANBI
Lots of seedlings with seeds still perched atop them. The leaves are thin and needle-like
What tree will this grow up to be? Pablo Gomez Barreiro © RBG Kew
A group of people standing around in the countryside
The team capture essential data with the seed collection, including the GPS location, other plant species in the area, and land use, Lydia Shellien-Walker © RBG Kew
Seeds arranged in rows in a round dish
Testing the germination of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) seeds, Elena Fouce Hernandez © RBG Kew