Help the UK National Tree Seed Project

The RFS is supporting the UK National Tree Seed Project with the collection of silver birch (betula pendula) seed, and is urging members to get involved. RFS Development Director Simon Lloyd says:

“The UK National Tree Seed Project is part of the largest ex situplant conservation programme in the world and the RFS and members are well placed to assist. We are delighted to be collaborating with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew on this unique project.”

The RFS is hoping to contribute 21 seed collections to the project over two years and is already working with the Cotswold tree wardens to provide four collections from that area.

Members who have access to native, naturally occurring silver birch in ancient or semi-natural woodlands and would like to take part are being urged to get in contact with Development Director Simon Lloyd at simon.lloyd@rfs.org.uk. There are a small number of free training places available for RFS members committing to collect seed for the project this year (see below).

Collected seeds will be stored in Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank, conserving native biodiversity for future generations;  providing a valuable resource for researchers as they seek to address the many threats to UK trees and woodlands, and to better understand how to manage this resource in a period of environmental change.

Seed collecting has a precise methodology to ensure quality. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew will provide technical support for RFS members in the form of training and equipment to undertake this work. A project manual is already available in both hard copy and online for all those who are interested to take part.

Training plan 2014

*this day is primarily for Cotswold Tree Wardens and RFS members