One of the most successful seed banks in the world is managed by Britain’s Royal Wakehurst Place. Here, scientists have stored the seeds of more than 2,000 different species of garden plants and wildflowers. The seeds come from more than 50 countries. The seeds are first dried, then frozen and kept on ice at – 36oF in three different freezer rooms. The seed bank represents a considerable investment in future. Many of the seeds are of rare or threatened species and are being saved from possible extinction. Others have no use at the moment but in future may provide new sources of drugs, food or fuel.