We are delighted to confirm the return of our annual seed share event, after a two year break.

It's about so much more than sharing seeds, with many exhibitors, delicious refreshments, and a badly needed chance to catch up with those we have so missed.

Including:

• Local and heritage seeds;
• Bees and Pollinator Project;
• Devon Wildlife Trust;
• Holt Wood Herbs;
• Medicinal Forest Garden Trust;
• Crediton Garden Club;
• Crediton Pig Club;
• Orchards Live;
• Sustainable Crediton Woodland Management Group.

You are also welcome to bring plants for sale or swap; the more the better!

Free entry, donations welcome

Why swap seeds? Some background

Seed sharing has become increasingly popular over recent years. Apart from saving money it is a way of trying different or heritage varieties that cannot be bought in shops because of UK law allows the sale of specific varieties only: thus retailers all sell much the same stock.

Suggesting they are protecting growers from the risk of buying unsound or unpredictable seeds, governments produced National Lists, which list the varieties that can be legally bought and sold. This means that even if you have been growing a variety for years, if it is not 'listed' it is illegal to buy or sell it (which is why seed swaps, where unlisted varieties change hands, do not charge for seeds, but ask for a donation to cover costs). Heritage varieties are at risk from dying out because of this law, reducing choice and biodiversity.

Everyone is welcome whether they have seeds to share or not. The hope is that if you take seeds this year you will come back next year, having saved a few seeds yourself. If you have saved seed, please write the variety and year on a packet for example "Tomato Moneymaker 2021" or just "Tomato Cherry Type 2021" if you do not know the name. You can also bring seeds in commercial packets that you have not used, providing they are less than 3 years old. Come and find out how to save seeds - save yourself money, try new varieties and help save heritage seeds.

Some scenes from our 2019 event: