As the UK wildflower seed industry continues to grow—driven by increasing ecological awareness, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) regulations, and climate change resilience planning—there is one topic of increasing importance: the difference between native wildflower seed and locally sourced wildflower seed.
While these terms are often used interchangeably in marketing, their meanings—and their ecological impact—are quite different. Understanding these distinctions can help ecologists, land managers, developers, and homeowners make more informed choices that benefit both biodiversity and long-term sustainability.
What Is Locally Sourced Wildflower Seed?
At its core, locally sourced wildflower seed refers to native wildflower seed that has been harvested from wild populations within a defined proximity to the site where it will be sown. These seeds maintain the genetic traits and adaptations specific to that area, shaped by local climate, soils, and interactions with native fauna.
But how local is local?
Well, there’s no strict universal rule on proximity. On highly protected or specialist-managed land—such as Salisbury Plain near Bright Seeds HQ—some might argue that taking seed from the western side to sow on the eastern side is too far. Meanwhile, across the commercial wildflower seed industry, it’s fairly common to see seeds collected or grown from across the UK used interchangeably in restoration or landscaping projects.
So, while the label “locally sourced” can vary depending on the project and professional judgment, the underlying principle remains the same: the closer the seed’s origin to the planting site, the more ecologically aligned it is.
What’s the Difference Between Native and Locally Sourced Wildflower Seed?
This is where things can get blurry in the industry.
- Native wildflower seed simply means the plant species is indigenous to the UK, occurring naturally before major human intervention (typically pre-agriculture).
- Locally sourced wildflower seed goes a step further—it’s not only native but also genetically adapted to a specific region within the UK.
Some suppliers market “UK native” seed as “local”, which can be misleading. The research on this is limited, but just because a wildflower mix is grown in Britain, it doesn’t mean it contains seed that’s locally adapted to your site, say, Wiltshire or Dorset.
This distinction is crucial, especially when the goal is ecological restoration or habitat creation.
Ecological Benefits of Locally Sourced Wildflower Seed
According to the Botanical Society of Britain & Ireland (BSBI), using non-local or non-native seed in sensitive habitats can disrupt local ecosystems in several key ways:
- Pollinators & Wildlife: Local provenance wildflower seed are better timed and structured to support the local invertebrates, birds, and mammals that have co-evolved alongside them.
- Soil Health: Locally adapted plants interact differently with microbial communities in the soil, enhancing nutrient cycles and stability.
- Genetic Integrity: Introducing seed from outside the area—especially non-native types—can dilute or even outcompete local genetic variants, leading to a gradual loss of the original native population over time.
Occasionally, sowing generic “native” mixes can do more harm than good in the long run, especially in or near existing natural habitats.
Planning & Policy Benefits – BNG and Beyond
There are also practical, non-ecological reasons to favour local provenance.
For large-scale schemes such as Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) projects, the use of locally sourced wildflower seed can significantly smooth the path to approval. Ecologists, planners, and conservation officers are increasingly tuned into provenance—and using local seed can actually aid approval of certain projects.
From a PR and stakeholder perspective, supporting local species and promoting regional biodiversity carries a strong narrative value. It’s a way for developers, councils, and conservation charities to demonstrate genuine environmental stewardship.
Summary of the Differences –
| Native Wildflower Seed | Locally Sourced Wildflower Seed |
| From species native to the UK | From native species grown/harvested near the site where it will be planted |
| May come from anywhere in the UK | Adapted to your region’s climate, soil, and wildlife |
| Generally suitable for large-scale or general landscaping | Ideal for restoration, BNG, and ecologically sensitive areas |
| Some risk of outcompeting local ecotypes | Maintains genetic integrity and supports local pollinators |
Final Thoughts
While the wildflower seed market continues to grow in popularity and accessibility, it’s important not to lose sight of ecological importance. “Native” doesn’t always mean “local,” and local sourcing isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a conservation strategy.
And, in many cases, locally sourced wildflower seed isn’t an option, and therefore ensuring native wildflower seed is used is vital.
If you’re working on a project that aims to restore habitat, meet BNG requirements, or support local biodiversity in a meaningful way, make sure to ask your supplier about seed provenance.
For more information on how we harvest our native and locally sourced wildflower seed, you can find out everything about our process here. Or, if you want help selecting a mix tailored to your soil and location, get in touch – we’re always here to support your projects.