Events
Seed Packing Workshop
Free | Everyone welcome | Exeter Phoenix, Workshop
Join us for a chat and a cuppa. Bring along seeds if you have any. Take away a few for yourself.
We’ll be packing up sunflowers and green manures.
Dance Against Racism: Fundraiser for Palestine
D.A.R - Dance Against Racism Presents:
Fundraiser for Palestine
Sat 4 Oct, Exeter Library, 7-11pm. Tickets: £15/12
Global beats for the sonically curious from sound artist, Somatic. BYOB
Join us for an evening of dance – for peace, seeds, survival, and solidarity.
This event supports the Palestine Local Seed Bank, which is working to protect vital seed sources and uphold Palestinian food sovereignty.
Exeter Seed Bank is twinned with the Palestine Local Seed Bank. We were deeply saddened to learn that one of their essential seed multiplication units was recently destroyed by the Israeli Occupying Forces (IOF), a direct attack on the dignity, survival, and resilience of Palestinian growers. Seeds are not only the basis of food, they carry generations of heritage, knowledge, and traditional culture. These living legacies are under threat.
In response, we come together in community - through music and movement to stand in solidarity.
Found in every culture, music and dance are universal languages, they connect us beyond words, borders, and politics. They are powerful tools of resilience, resistance, and renewal. Through dance, we express grief, anger, hope, and joy — and can connect collectively through movement.
We invite you to this dance against racism as a space to dream, to imagine peace, and to restore hope. Come as you are, body, heart, and mind.
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BYOB
All profits will be donated to the Palestine Local Seed Bank.
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Expect a vibrant journey through global sounds with Somatic.
Spanning genres such as Afrobeat, Jungle, Bossa, House, Dub, Cumbia, Breakbeat, Funk, IDM, Electronica — and everything in between.
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Somatic is a sound artist, producer, DJ, and sound designer. Somatic is a dual-heritage (OFFIE & ARIA Nominated) Sound Artist whose diverse creative practice encompasses creating sonic stories for theatre, dance, podcast, screen, club dancefloors and DJing. Although his sonic identity is rooted in sound system and dance music culture, his influences are shaped by the cinematic rural landscape of his upbringing in Exeter, Devon, as well as the myriad global genres he absorbed and built upon throughout his upbringing. Somatic is a Daytimers affiliate. www.sominsomatic.com
Dance Against Racism (DAR) is a vibrant music night organised by Somatic and Sandhya Dave, celebrating global sounds and the unifying power of dance to bring people together while raising vital funds for initiatives combating racism, both locally and globally.
Devon Development Education (DDE), based at The Global Centre in Exeter, a non-profit organisation, has helped schools and communities across the South West understand global issues and their local impact. By connecting people to the wider ‘global village,’ DDE promotes learning and action for a more just and sustainable world. www.globalcentredevon.org.uk
Exeter Seed Bank (ESB) was founded in 2020, and supports local resilience by sharing community knowledge of plants and seed-saving. Through events like seed swaps, workshops and craftivism, ESB promotes biodiversity, preserves heirloom seeds, and connects people through stories, art and environmental action. They also work in solidarity with partners such as the Palestine Local Seed Bank. www.exeterseedbank.co.uk / www.instagram.com/exeterseedbank
The Palestine Local Seed Bank is an initiative focused on preserving Palestinian agricultural heritage and promoting food sovereignty. It's led by the Union of Agricultural Work Committees (UAWC) and works directly with farmers. www.uawc-pal.org
Exeter Seed Bank at FUTURES 2025
Exeter Seed Bank will be at FUTURES 2025
Step into a world of wonder at the Pop-Up Curiosity Shop of Science and Culture, where imagination, exploration and creativity come together in one unforgettable experience.
Join us at Exeter Phoenix for a family-friendly day of discovery, packed with hands-on activities, bite-size talks and creative zones. From cutting-edge research to quirky curiosities, you’ll meet expert researchers from across the South West and explore everything from art and engineering to the secrets of our natural world.
With over 15 interactive stands and showcases, expect a vibrant mix of activities and experiences from University of Exeter researchers, there’ll be plenty to see, do and explore throughout the day.
Drop in any time between 11am and 3pm—no need to book!
Find out more:
https://futuresnight.co.uk/events/pop-up-curiosity-shop-of-science-and-culture/
Talk: Exeter Seed Bank and the Palestine Local Seed Bank, a Twinning Project
Host by Devon Development Education
Talk: Exeter Seed Bank and the Palestine Local Seed Bank, a Twinning Project
Booking here
Exeter Seed Bank directors will be talking about seed sovereignty and their twinning project with the Palestine Local Seed Bank.
Take part in craftivism for Palestine.
Make a pinch pot for a future grower.
Take away a fired pot with seeds beloved in Palestine for a donation to Palestine Local Seed Bank.
***Suggested donation: £5 towards the twinning project***
Exeter Seed Swap 2025
Exeter Seed Swap 2025
Sunday 2 March, 11 – 2pm, Positive Light Projects, Sidwell St, Exeter, EX46RD
FREE ENTRY (Suggested donation: £2) bring cash. Children welcome
Featuring: Hands-on activities, demos, yummy café treats, plants to buy, stalls and more!
Talks Programme: Talks held at Sidwell St Bakehouse, Sidwell St, EX46RD. General admission: £5 + booking fee. Limited free tickets for under 25s with valid ID.
For more information and booking:
Talk 12 - 12:45pm: Make your garden wildlife friendly with Lou Jones
Talk 1 - 1:45pm: Community medicinal gardening with Fiona Heckels
Talk 2 - 2:45pm: The four elements of composting with Nicky Scott
Talk 3 - 3:45pm: Improving soil health for a vibrant garden
This project is funded with the support of the Creative Arc Programme, an initiative funded by the University of Exeter, Exeter City Council and the UK government through the Shared Prosperity Fund.
Seed Packing Workshop
Free | Everyone welcome | Exeter Phoenix, Workshop
Join us for a chat and a drink. Bring along seeds if you have any. Take away a few for yourselves.
Find out about our winter ‘landrace’ project to grow a new local broad bean variety for Exeter! Are you growing broad beans? Bring your seeds (if you have any) to our pool and take away some to grow.
Exeter Broad Bean 'Flock' Meet up :-)
Calling all community and solo growers who love the Broad Bean!
Register here
Find out about Exeter Seed Bank's new project exploring adaptive agriculture through the cultivation of a broad bean 'flock'. This involves planting a genetically diverse mix of broad bean varieties together in which to accelerate adaptation to changing climate conditions. It diverges from the traditional method of growing a single crop variety in isolation.
Hear from local market gardener, Dan Fox of Two-Acre Farm, as he shares insights from his broad bean flock trials. Bring along your favorite recipes and stories about this nutritious, sustainable vegetable that thrives during the "hungry gap."
Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or a first-time grower, let’s grow something beautiful—together! If you have broad beans to share for the mix, bring them along.
The flock crops will be planted in Feburary 2025.
Light refreshments provided.
Seed Packing Workshop
Free | Everyone welcome | Exeter Phoenix, Workshop
Join us for a chat and a drink. Bring along seeds if you have any. Take away a few for yourselves.
Find out about our winter ‘landrace’ project to grow a new local broad bean variety for Exeter! Are you growing broad beans? Bring your seeds (if you have any) to our pool and take away some to grow.
The Exeter Broad Bean Flock Meet up
The Exeter Broad Bean Flock Meetup, Sat, 7 Dec, 2:00 – 3:30pm
Belmont Park Community Hut
FREE | Refreshments provided | RSVP: Eventbrite Link
Curious about the Community Broad Bean Flock Project?
Join us for a relaxed chat about all things broad beans!
Hear from local market gardener, Dan Fox of Two-Acre Farm, as he shares insights from his broad bean flock trials. Bring along your favorite recipes and stories about this nutritious, sustainable vegetable that thrives during the "hungry gap."
If you have saved any broad beans you can spare for the flock, please bring along or contact us!
This project is funded with the support of the Creative Arc Programme, an initiative funded by the University of Exeter, Exeter City Council and the UK government through the Shared Prosperity Fund.
Seed Packing Workshop
Free | Everyone welcome | Exeter Phoenix, Workshop
Join us for a chat and a drink. Bring along seeds if you have any. Take away a few for yourselves.
Find out about our winter ‘landrace’ project to grow a new local broad bean variety for Exeter! Are you growing broad beans? Bring your seeds (if you have any) to our pool and take away some to grow.
Seed Packing Workshop
Free | Everyone welcome | Exeter Phoenix, Workshop
Join us for a chat and a drink. Bring along seeds if you have any. Take away a few for yourselves.
Find out about our winter ‘landrace’ project to grow a new local broad bean variety for Exeter! Are you growing broad beans? Bring your seeds (if you have any) to our pool and take away some to grow.
Seed Packing Workshop
Free | Everyone welcome | Exeter Phoenix, Workshop
Join us for a chat and a drink. Bring along seeds if you have any. Take away a few for yourselves.
Find out about our winter ‘landrace’ project to grow a new local broad bean variety for Exeter! Are you growing broad beans? Bring your seeds (if you have any) to our pool and take away some to grow.
FUTURES 2024: Climate Change and Gardening
Photos: Jessica Spencer-Keyse.
Organised by Agile Rabbit on behalf of the University of Exeter and FUTURES: A Festival of Discovery of the South West.
Exeter Seed Bank will be providing free local wildflower seeds and discussing our upcoming project on cultivating a community broad bean landrace, inspired by the writings of American grower and seed saver Joseph Lofthouse from his book ‘Adaptation Agriculture’. Come find us under our Cardboard Kiosk!
About the event
Join Frances Tophill from Gardeners’ World and three world-leading researchers for a special live event on horticulture in a changing world.
From flood mitigation to pollutant capture and urban green rooftops, gardens aren’t just benefiting humans, but represent essential spaces and habitats for wildlife and biodiversity.
Our panellists will share effective gardening and growing practices that can sustain the extreme weather events we are already experiencing today. How will our expectations of gardens continue to change?
Hosted by former Radio 4 presenter Ritula Shah, we’ll also chat about related issues such as food security, pests, and soil health. We will ask how our gardens can positively contribute to our wider community and how to manage challenges like water stress and the invasion of non-native species.
Join us for this special event to share your experiences, ask questions, comment, and reflect.
Find out more: https://www.agile-rabbit.com/event/climate-change-and-gardening/
Coil Basketry workshop
Part of Exeter Seed Bank at Exeter Respect Festival, Belmont Park
Drop-in
Jules will be teaching coil basketry, where you will learn how to make simple baskets with natural materials like hay and straw, a technique you can then apply to all sorts of dried plant material from your own garden.
Jules Bristow is a bushcraft instructor, forager and proponent of evidence-based environmentalism and sustainable living. https://tangledbankforaging.uk/
Build Your Own Bracelet workshop
Part of Exeter Seed Bank at Exeter Respect Festival, Belmont Park
Donation: £3
Drop-in
Appreciate the beauty of seeds and soil by creating a decorative bracelet using different types of clay beads and polished beans, grown by our Seed Guardians.
About the different clay beads:
White Beads: Made from Devon ball clay formed from eroded granite from the Devon Moors over millions of years.
Black Beads: Rich in lignite, created from the tropical vegetation that once thrived in the Bovey Basin.
Beige Gritty Beads: Rich in sand, originating from ancient swamps.
Red Beads: Made from our mineral and iron-rich clay soil, famous for its rich colour.
Join us to celebrate and connect with the natural beauty of Devon’s seeds and soils!
Build Your Own Bracelet workship
Part of Exeter Seed Bank at Exeter Respect Festival, Belmont Park
Donation: £3
Drop-in
Appreciate the beauty of seeds and soil by creating a decorative bracelet using different types of clay beads and polished beans, grown by our Seed Guardians.
About the different clay beads:
White Beads: Made from Devon ball clay formed from eroded granite from the Devon Moors over millions of years.
Black Beads: Rich in lignite, created from the tropical vegetation that once thrived in the Bovey Basin.
Beige Gritty Beads: Rich in sand, originating from ancient swamps.
Red Beads: Made from our mineral and iron-rich clay soil, famous for its rich colour.
Join us to celebrate and connect with the natural beauty of Devon’s seeds and soils!
Sparkly Sonia’s ‘Human Beans’ body art
Part of Exeter Seed Bank at Exeter Respect Festival, Belmont Park
Drop-in
Be the human bean you want to see in the world, and let nature take over your body! Sparkly Sonia will be offering body painting of beans and plants to help connect you to the natural world. A fun and family friendly way to enjoy the day.
Open call for 2024 Seed Guardians
Could you be a Seed Guardian?
Our new programme means we are able to support 10 people to become Seed Guardians - local growers willing to grow a particular crop for seed saving. You will receive mentoring and a paper diary, supporting you from planting to harvesting a seed crop. Please register your expression of interest by emailing: exeterseedbank@gmail.com with a sentence on your seed saving journey so far and what herb/veg/flower you would like to grow (we can also recommend).
Deadline 31 March for expression of interest. Newbies very very welcome!
We also have a free PDF version of the diary for anyone wishing to engage in self directed learning and observation for seed saving.
Funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, distributed by Transition Together, has enabled Exeter Seed Bank to launch a supported Seed Guardian mentoring programme and unlock expertise for our community growers. We would like to thank National Lottery players for making this possible. Learn more about about Transition Together at https://transitiontogether.org.uk/
DIY NETTING FOR YOUR GARDEN
Jules will be using traditional techniques used for making fishing nets but re working them for use in the garden.
SWEEP Celebration
Photos: Rob Coombe.
Exeter Seed Bank will be providing free local wildflower seeds and discussing our upcoming projects.
The South West Partnership for Environmental and Economic Prosperity (SWEEP) was a highly successful and impactful research-focused partnership, between 2017-2023.
The SWEEP approach applies environmental research to bring natural capital into the heart of decision making, to benefit the environment, society and economy: an exemplar of best practice in the South West of the UK.
Find out more: https://sweep.ac.uk/about/sweep-celebration/