Last month, Hannah Wilcox-Brooke, Head of Nature-based Solutions at National Landscapes Association, spent an afternoon at Wakehurst - Kew’s wild botanic garden in Sussex - to celebrate 25 years of the Millennium Seed Bank. What began as a fascinating visit became something much more meaningful for her; a day that reaffirmed the importance of nature recovery and the power of hope. 

The event marked a major milestone for the Millennium Seed Bank, described by David Attenborough as one of the most significant conservation projects of our time. When it began in 2000, the goal was to conserve ten percent of the world’s wild plant species. Twenty-five years later, it has evolved into a global collaboration involving more than a hundred countries and over two-and-a-half billion seeds preserved for the future. 

Hannah said: “For anyone working in nature-based solutions, the scale and ambition of the Seed Bank is deeply inspiring. The collections represent not only the preservation of biodiversity but also resilience and the potential to restore what has been lost. They are a reminder that even in the face of complex global challenges, cooperation and science can still achieve remarkable results.” 

Hannah attended the celebration representing National Landscapes Association, exploring ways that leading scientific research can connect with local communities and landscapes. There is a growing opportunity to link the innovation taking place at Wakehurst with on-the-ground action across the UK, particularly around climate-resilient trees and strengthening connections between people and nature. While discussions are still developing, the potential for future collaboration is promising. 

The afternoon’s events included a panel discussion hosted by BBC presenter Martha Kearney, featuring leading figures from science, conservation and broadcasting. Springwatch’s Megan McCubbin spoke passionately about how nature connection underpins every aspect of conservation, while Mike Gunton, Creative Director of the BBC’s Green Planet, offered a glimpse of the next series due to air in 2028. The panel shared a powerful message that protecting nature requires more than data and policy; it also depends on creativity, storytelling and hope. 

Hannah said: “A highlight of the day was meeting two of the scientists who manage the Seed Bank. They generously shared their expertise on how seeds are collected, catalogued and eventually returned to the wild. I mentioned I’d soon be speaking to a local primary school about seeds, they offered me an amazing and pretty exclusive behind-the-scenes visit to the underground vaults where the collections are stored. Deep below ground, at a steady temperature of minus twenty degrees, millions of seeds rest in silent potential. The experience left a lasting impression and a renewed admiration for the women leading this essential scientific work.” 

Before leaving, Hannah visited the Wakehurst grounds and noticed a Wollemi pine, a species once believed to be extinct. She said “Seeing it thriving there felt symbolic, a reminder that with care and persistence, recovery is always possible. Days like this inspire renewed optimism. Seeds may be small, but they contain extraordinary potential. On National Tree Day, the lesson from Wakehurst is clear: every seed, every tree and every local action contributes to a larger story of resilience and renewal.”