Seed Gathering Season
Growing the Trees of the Future
Seed Gathering Season, celebrated annually from 23 September to 23 October, is a month-long campaign led by The Tree Council to encourage people of all ages to collect seeds, fruits, and nuts from local trees. The goal? To grow trees of local provenance that are more resilient, biodiverse, and better adapted to their environment. This season offers a perfect opportunity to engage communities, schools, and families in nurturing the next generation of UK woodland.
Key Facts About Seed Gathering Season
| Event | Seed Gathering Season |
|---|---|
| Start Date | 23 September (Autumn Equinox) |
| End Date | 23 October |
| Founded By | The Tree Council |
| First Celebrated | 1998 |
| Purpose | To gather and grow seeds for future trees and promote biodiversity through local provenance planting |
| Main Audience | Families, schools, communities, tree wardens, and environmental groups |
Why It Matters / How It’s Celebrated
- Encourages the collection of tree seeds to grow new trees that are locally adapted.
- Helps tackle tree diseases by diversifying the tree stock with native, resilient species.
- Engages children and young people in hands-on environmental action and education.
- Supports biodiversity and rewilding in urban and rural spaces.
- Events and workshops are hosted by Tree Wardens and community organisations throughout the UK.
How to Get Involved
- Find a local seed gathering event using the Tree Council’s interactive map.
- Organise your own event at a school, park, or community woodland and register it on their website.
- Use resources like The Good Seed Guide to learn best practices for collecting and storing seeds.
- Download a Seed Gathering Season poster to spread awareness locally.
- Get children involved with seed art, tree-themed crafts, and simple planting activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Seed Gathering Season?
Seed Gathering Season is a UK-based initiative by The Tree Council running from 23 September to 23 October each year, promoting the collection of seeds from local trees to grow future woodlands.
Who can take part?
Anyone! Schools, families, environmental groups, and individuals are encouraged to collect seeds and grow trees to support biodiversity and fight climate change.
Why grow trees from local seeds?
Trees grown from local seed are better adapted to the soil, climate, and wildlife of the region. This makes them more likely to thrive and resist pests or diseases.
Where can I find events?
You can find events on The Tree Council’s official website through their Near You event map.
Can I run my own seed-gathering event?
Yes. The Tree Council provides support materials and registration options to help you run a local event or school campaign. You can also list it on their website to attract participants.
Future Dates for Seed Gathering Season
| Year | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Tuesday, 23 September 2025 | Thursday, 23 October 2025 |
| 2026 | Wednesday, 23 September 2026 | Friday, 23 October 2026 |
| 2027 | Thursday, 23 September 2027 | Saturday, 23 October 2027 |
| 2028 | Saturday, 23 September 2028 | Monday, 23 October 2028 |
| 2029 | Sunday, 23 September 2029 | Tuesday, 23 October 2029 |
Hashtags for Seed Gathering Season
- #SeedGatheringSeason
- #GrowTogether
- #LocalSeedsGlobalImpact
- #TheTreeCouncil
- #PlantForThePlanet
- #TreesOfTomorrow
- #UKWoodlands
- Hashtags #SeedGatheringSeason #GrowTogether #LocalSeedsGlobalImpact #TheTreeCouncil #PlantForThePlanet #TreesOfTomorrow #UKWoodlands

