Seed Gathering Season

in

23 September - 23 October 2009

Through this autumn festival The Tree Council aims to inspire everyone, particularly school children and families, to gather seeds, fruits and nuts and grow the trees of the future. The festival starts on the 23 September (the autumn equinox, considered to be the first day of autumn) and continues until the 23 October, giving everyone plenty of days on which to hold events.

Growing trees from local seed can have great benefits in restocking areas with trees of local provenance. The concept of local provenance suggests that trees that are adapted to the local circumstances and so are likely to flourish and help restore, conserve and beautify local urban and rural spaces. Collecting seed and growing trees is also a great way to get children involved and start growing the next generation of tree enthusiasts.

Interested in getting involved? If you go to the 2008 events list you can find out about the kind of activities that took place in your area last year. If you're interested in organising your own event in 2009, read further to get some useful tips on how to organise successful seed gathering activities and how to grow trees from the seeds you have collected. Don't forget to register your event, so that other people can come and join you!

If you want to get more people in your community involved, or publicise seed gathering in a school or youth group, you can use the free downloadable poster for 2009 and print as many copies as you need.

This year, as well as collecting seed to grow the trees of the future, we are encouraging everyone to make the most of the autumn harvest by gathering berries, nuts and fruit to eat and make into delicious autumn treats.

Luckily, this year seems to be a particularly bountiful year; trees are laden with fruit and nuts, so there will be lots to pick with plenty left over for the wildlife that depends on it to get through the winter.

Why not try one of these recipies

Birch Bark Vinegar - sent in by Viv Lawson
Blackberry & Apple Jam - sent in by Caroline Sherry

If you are planning to collect fruit and seeds to eat, here are some tips.

  • Fruit is the property of the landowner.
  • Don't collect anything from trees beside busy roads or on old industrial sites.
  • Don't allow unsupervised children to pick - or eat - from trees and make sure you know exactly what you are picking: some of the most attractive berries are poisonous and easily mistaken for edible ones.
  • Wherever you gather your wild food, wash it well.
  • Don't pick more than you need and don't damage the trees.