Sustainability
Nature
2 minutes
25/09/2025
Putting Our Eden Project Partnership into Action: Wildflower Seed Collection in Sussex
As part of our nature recovery work with the Eden Project, Foresight colleagues recently joined the National Wildflower Centre (NWC) for a seed collection day at one of the last remaining chalk meadows in Sussex, South England.
Foresight’s partnership with the Eden Project began in March 2022 and has since grown into a collaboration rooted in shared values and real-world impact. Together, we’ve built a platform that supports Eden Project’s pioneering restoration work while strengthening Foresight’s leadership in nature recovery.
The day focused on protecting rare wildflower species, restoring habitats for pollinators and wildlife, and highlighting the importance of biodiversity. Since the Second World War, the UK has lost around 97% of its wildflower meadows, making conservation initiatives like this more urgent than ever.
Conservation in Action
- Learning from the Experts: Volunteers worked with Eden Project staff and National Wildflower Centre experts to identify, collect, and store wildflower seeds for restoration projects.
- Key Species Collected: Volunteers gathered seeds from native wildflower species, including:
- Cowslip (Primula veris) – an early nectar source for spring insects
- Viper’s Bugloss (Echium vulgare) – a striking blue flower loved by pollinators
- Meadow Buttercup (Ranunculus acris) – familiar, bright, and ideal for community collection
- Harebell / Scottish Bluebell (Campanula rotundifolia) – delicate yet resilient
- Hands-On Conservation: The team also cleared areas of ragwort, an invasive weed that can prevent native wildflowers from establishing.
- Supporting Nature Recovery: Activities at the chalk meadow contributed directly to local biodiversity restoration, with seeds collected helping to support habitats across the UK.
Biodiversity loss poses major risks for ecosystems and economies. With over 20,000 hectares of land under management across our forestry, solar and infrastructure portfolios, Foresight can contribute to nature recovery at scale, supported through its partnership with the Eden Project.
