Rare Rock whitebeam seeds collected

25 February 2025

Seeds from the rare Rock whitebeam (Aria rupicola) were collected in Teesdale by the North Pennines National Landscape team. The location of these unique trees, on a rocky outcrop, meant that collecting the seeds was a challenging process. The seeds were carefully packed and sent to the Millennium Seed Bank, managed by Kew, which is home to over 2.4 billion seeds, representing over 39,000 different species of the world’s storable seeds.

The Millennium Seed Bank confirmed that over 850 Rock whitebeam seeds have been included in their collection. These seeds are all viable, with the maximum opportunity for germination. Having this many seeds in the Millennium Seed Bank enables further tests over the lifespan of the collection and ensures this species is protected for future generations.

Patrick Oulton, Tees-Swale Programme Manager said, “We are pleased that with the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund we have been able to secure the survival of the rare Rock whitebeam in Teesdale. Rock whitebeam is only found in a small number of locations across the UK, and following the success of growing Rock whitebeam at the Bowlees Tree & Wildflower Nursery, we look forward to re-establishing these trees at suitable locations in Teesdale and Swaledale.