As the nights start to draw in it’s tempting to hunker inside – but this is the best time of year to explore your local woods or nearest park, and gather the seeds, nuts and fruits that will grow to become the next generation of life-giving trees, shrubs and hedgerows.
The Tree Council’s Seed Gathering Season begins on 21 September, and over the following month we’ll be running free, online talks, as well as sharing lots of practical information through our social media channels and newsletters around how to collect seeds; process and prepare them for growing, and then sow and plant them out.
On Thursday 24 September, join Jon Stokes, The Tree Council’s Director of Trees, Science and Research for a Seed Gathering Masterclass. Jon and co-host, Katie Rafferty, who leads The Tree Council’s national community tree nursery programme, Growing Together, will guide you through the incredible diversity of tree seeds available on your doorsteps, and help you transform your acorns and conkers into life-giving saplings.
Last September, The Tree Council and partners, M&Gplc launched Growing Together with the aim of doubling the number of community tree nurseries (CTN) producing locally grown trees throughout the UK. The programme builds on the investigative work undertaken by The Tree Council, as part of the Defra funded Shared Outcomes Fund: Trees Outside Woodland research project.
As interest grows in CTNs, we bring you Stories from Community Tree Nurseries on Thursday 1 October. You will hear real stories about how different nurseries began, the challenges and successes they’ve encountered, and the practical steps involved. Speakers will also share advice for those interested in starting their own project, from finding a site and sourcing seed, to engaging volunteers and building a community.
Diary of Seed Gatherer, the final event of Seed Gathering Season 2026, takes place on Thursday 15 October, and switches attention to professional seed gatherers – including Robert Chapman, Seed Production Manager at Forestart and the Millennium Seed Bank’s Owen Blake – as they share their experiences collecting tree seed across the UK.
Hosted by Charlotte Benham, The Tree Council Science & Research Action Manager, the panel will discuss the realities of seed gathering; from seasonal planning and fieldwork, to the challenges presented by changing weather patterns and our shifting climate. They will also share insights from current projects, stories from their careers, and lessons learned working at the forefront of growing trees from seed.
All events feature an audience Q&A.
The Tree Council CEO, Sara Lom said: “Seed Gathering Season is a wonderful opportunity for us all to come together and gather seed from local trees and nurture them to become young saplings, which can be planted locally to benefit future generations.”
And don’t forget to check out The Tree Growers Guide and The Young Tree Growers Guide – brilliant resources packed with beautiful illustrations, tips and information around seed collecting and tree establishment; as well as activities for teachers, young tree growers and their families.
Seed Gathering Season runs from September 21 to October 21. All events are online, taking place between 1-2pm on the specified date. Tickets are free but booking is highly recommended, please visit www.treecouncil.org.uk/seasonal-campaigns/seed-gathering-season/ to secure your spot.
