2 days ago
Torfaen seed libraries encourage homegrown food
The new community scheme offers residents free vegetable seeds, with the aim of promoting sustainable food practices and boosting biodiversity.
Councillor Sue Morgan, executive member for waste and sustainability, said: "These seed libraries are a fantastic example of how small, community-led initiatives can have a big impact.
"They not only promote sustainable food practices and healthier lifestyles but also bring people together through a shared love of growing.
"As it's World Environment Day, it's also important to recognise the environmental benefits of growing your own food, which not only eliminates the carbon emissions produced by transporting food, it increases local biodiversity."
Each library offers a selection of seeds—such as stringless runner beans and mixed baby lettuce—free of charge.
Residents are encouraged to grow their own produce and, when the season ends, save seeds from mature plants to replenish the libraries.
This seed-sharing cycle supports the long-term sustainability of the project.
Existing seed libraries can be found at locations including Able, Blaenavon Library, Blenheim Road Community Primary School, Cold Barn Farm, and Cwmbran Library.
Four new sites will soon open at Garnteg Primary, Ponthir Village Hall, Cwmbran High School, and Coed Eva Primary.
To celebrate the launch, a community planting event was held at Pontypool Market in March.
Additional seed-saving workshops are planned later in the year.
At the Able life skills centre in Cwmbran, participants help manage their local seed library and also run a tool library.
The tool library offers long-handled and easy-grip gardening tools to make gardening more accessible.
A similar service operates at Canddo at Panteg House.
The seed libraries have been launched by the Torfaen Food Partnership with support from the Shared Prosperity Fund and the Welsh Government.
