Green-fingered residents across the coast are digging into a growing network of seed-sharing hubs as the initiative expands into more local libraries. Following a successful partnership between North Yorkshire Council and the voluntary group GROW Scarborough, new hubs in Whitby and Filey have already distributed hundreds of seed packets to the community.
This grassroots project aims to build long-term food security and climate resilience by encouraging people to save and share locally adapted seeds. By providing a free and accessible base in public libraries, the network allows anyone to pick up fruit, vegetable, and flower seeds to grow at home, regardless of their gardening experience.
The success of these coastal hubs has now been recognised on a national scale, with the Scarborough Seed Hub featured at the Science Museum in London as part of a major exhibition. This display highlights how small scale community efforts in North Yorkshire are contributing to global conversations about the future of sustainable food production.
Founded by Darren Mancrief, GROW Scarborough started as an online venture in 2023 before moving into the library service to reach more people. The Scarborough branch alone has shared over 2,200 packets of seeds, supported by donations from school gardening groups and local allotments.
Darren Mancrief, founder and co-chairman of GROW Scarborough, said: “By helping communities across Scarborough, Filey and Whitby to do something as simple and powerful as sharing and saving seeds, we’re building real food security, seed sovereignty and climate resilience from the ground up.”
He commented: “Every seed that leaves one of our hubs grows into a plant and finds its way back, which is a small act with a big meaning.”
The network is set to grow even further with an independently run hub opening at Norton Hive Library in the coming weeks. Local officials are hopeful that word of mouth will continue to drive visitors to these sites, ensuring a consistent supply of seeds for future growing seasons.
Cllr Simon Myers, executive member for libraries at North Yorkshire Council, said: “They showcase the breadth of what our library sites can offer, and their success is a testament to the collaboration between the service and the dedicated volunteers at GROW Scarborough.”
Residents looking for extra help can also visit the council’s horticultural nursery in Harrogate, which has been operating for over 50 years and offers a wide selection of plants and gardening accessories for sale.
