Millennium Seed Bank Launches Lecture Series 

Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank is launching a series of lectures to highlight its work in wild plant seed conservation and explain the ethos behind its aim to save the world’s most endangered plant species from extinction.

The lecture series will comprise three evening presentations by the Kew Millennium Seed Bank’s senior management team, each an expert in their field. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Tools Used by Modern Plant Collectors - May 6, 7pm.
Dr Paul Smith will explain the use of plant and seed collection methodologies and tools, and give examples of the re-discovery of some of the world’s rarest plants, as well as those that remain lost.

Paul Smith is leader of Kew’s £80 Millennium Seed Bank Project and a specialist in ecology and plant diversity in southern, central and eastern Africa. He has extensive experience in ecological surveying, botanical inventory, vegetation mapping and monitoring, including the use of Geographical Information Systems and remote sensing techniques. All tickets: £10 to include a glass of wine.

The International Programme - Michael Way, June 3, 7pm
Through its Millennium Seed Bank project, Kew works with more than fifty organisations around the world to find, collect and bank seeds on behalf of future generations. In this lecture, Michael Way will illustrate the diversity of partnerships within the Millennium Seed Bank international programme and give some case examples from the Americas on how the partnerships actually work in practice.  

Michael Way is an ecologist who co-ordinates the Americas activities of the Millennium Seed Bank Project.  He has extensive experience of the science and practice of seed collecting and conservation and has carried out dozens of seed collecting expeditions since joining Kew in 1993.  All tickets: £5.

The Technology of Seed Banking - Dr Robin Probert, July 1, 7pm
Approximately, 90% of the flowering plants on earth have evolved seeds that can withstand drying. In nature this enables seeds to remain alive, sometimes for many years, until conditions are favourable for germination and plant growth. In this lecture, Dr Robin Probert will explain the science and technology of seed banking and demonstrate how this can be replicated at homes to save favourite plant seeds.

Robin Probert is Head of Technology & Training at Kew's Millennium Seed Bank and the longest serving member of the team. All tickets: £5.

There is a special ticket offer to attend all three Kew Millennium Seed Bank lectures of £15. The lecture series has been generously supported by the Dr H. Shawdon Charitable Trust.

For further information or to book a place, please contact Kew's Adult Education department on 01444 894310, email adulted@kew.org or download a booking form at www.kew.org. Lecture tickets are also available as gifts.

(14 February 2008)