Our first event! Seed Swap at Hodmedod’s

It was a cold, windy day in Suffolk, but the turn out at our very first Barleybird event back in March saw an encouraging turnout of more than 70 people. They arrived with leftover bought seed, their own saved seed, or nothing at all, but everyone was welcome to take seeds home.

Swapping your own saved seed and sharing it with others, is a great way support the availability of diverse, open-pollinated seed varieties. It also helps to continue the production of seed which has adapted to local climate and soils. All the seeds were available free of charge, so seed swapping can also support those on low incomes to grow their own food.

The event was held at the Bean Store in Brampton, Suffolk, home of Hodmedod’s: the award-winning food company which sells pulses, seeds and grains grown on British farms. Seed Swappers were given a rare opportunity to visit their warehouse and purchase some Hodmedod’s goodies.

As well being able to select seeds for growing vegetables and flowers, Suffolk Tree Warden Network’s volunteer, Graham Pleasants, was also at the Bean Store with over 50 trees to give away………almost all of them went to new homes! The charity grows trees from seed collected in Suffolk, which are then grown on by volunteers and distributed to anyone who requests them, including at their big annual give-away each autumn.

The talented Henrietta Inman, from Wakelyns Bakery, provided attendees with the opportunity to relax, chat and meet other growers over a hot drink and a delicious snack. Some seed-swappers also bought some of her delicious bread, made with the organic, diverse population wheat pioneered by the late Martin Wolfe at at Wakelyns Farm.

Barleybird is delighted to have been awarded funding from East Suffolk District Council to run two seed saving workshops. Part 1 is designed for beginners and will be held on the 28th September 2024. Part 2 will be for the more advanced on the 8th February 2025, in conjunction with another Seed Swap event. We are looking forward to working with the local community, and welcoming even more enthustiastic Seed Swappers next year.