The Porlock Heirloom Seed Library is a service to people in the community completely free of charge.

However, as a normal library, what you take home is on loan.

We do ask that you return the same amount of seeds, or possible more, after harvest, so our library can be self-sustainable & grow more extensive to benefit the food security of the whole community for many years to come.

The actual library is stored in the reception at Bilton Hall Community Centre, and it works like this:

1. You choose your preferred crop(s) to borrow from our catalogue/gallery below (or come to the centre and have a look).

2. The size of seeds (and expected yield) will determine the amount we can offer of each seed type.

3. Your seeds will be sorted and marked in individual paper sachets, and your loan will be documented for expected return in the autumn.

4. Please take note of the instructions for growing of each type of seed, as this will ensure the likely success of growing a good yield for yourself, and a good amount of seeds to be returned to the library after the season.

5. If you don't already know this, please research how to collect seeds at the beginning of the growing season, so you are well prepared for harvesting seeds when the time comes.

6. Please return seeds in the same number or more of the seeds after harvest in the autumn.

Please contact Lise at Porlock Gardens/Bilton Hall Community Trust if you would like to borrow some seeds!

If you are aware of anyone (business, organisation or individual) willing to donate heirloom (open-pollinated, organic and GMO free) seeds to our library, please get in touch!