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Award-winning Hollywood actress Cate Blanchett has found a new passion beyond the glitz and glamour of the silver screen – saving seeds. While most know her for her acting prowess, Blanchett’s interest in horticulture shines through as she delves into the world of seeds. She is particularly fascinated by the banksia species native to Australia, noting their unique properties that make them extraordinary despite their humble appearance.
Teaming up with Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank at Wakehurst botanic garden in Sussex, Blanchett has been actively involved in the project as it marks its 25th anniversary. She stumbled upon Wakehurst and was captivated by the natural beauty of the landscape, later discovering the seed bank and the impactful work being done there. The seed bank houses over 2.5 billion seeds from 40,000 plant species worldwide, stored under meticulous conditions to ensure their preservation.
Initially conceived as a doomsday vault to safeguard wild plant species, the seed bank has evolved over the years to focus on restoring environments under threat. The collection now serves to rejuvenate habitats facing challenges, such as the rare chalk grasslands on the South Downs where seeds from the bank are being sown. Blanchett, alongside Dr. Elinor Breman from the MSB, has witnessed firsthand the efforts to restore various ecosystems across the globe, highlighting the critical role seeds play in conservation efforts.
Beyond her ambassadorial role for Wakehurst, Blanchett has actively engaged with seed management and restoration projects, even getting her hands dirty with the seeds. Despite her success in Hollywood, Blanchett humorously contemplates trying her hand at science, musing about the possibility of playing a scientist on screen. She believes that the seed bank is a hidden gem in the UK, with its importance only set to grow in the coming years as it continues its vital conservation work, providing a beacon of hope in a changing world
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