As we celebrate National Tree Week, we at the Clean Planet Foundation are proud to reflect on the incredible progress made in our ongoing mission to restore Scotland’s native forests.
In partnership with Trees for Life and Woodland Trust Scotland, our Tree Seed Collection Project is making significant strides in rewilding and revitalizing Scotland’s Caledonian Forest by collecting and verifying seeds for at least 1 million trees.
This effort represents hope for the future—a future where our forests are thriving, biodiversity is restored, and ecosystems are resilient against the pressures of climate change. Through the dedication of our volunteers and partners, the project aims to donate enough seeds to grow 500,000 trees, ensuring that these trees, nurtured from locally sourced seeds, will stand the best chance of survival.
🌟 Recent Milestones 🌟
This National Tree Week, we are thrilled to share some of the remarkable milestones achieved so far:
Over 2.2 million seeds collected: Surpassing our total-project targets, we've reached an important milestone. This achievement was celebrated across media outlets and through radio interviews, including BBC Highlands and Islands.
Successful willow seed collections: Volunteers have been hard at work collecting and distributing willow seeds to nurseries, particularly in Glen Finglas and Dunollie, ensuring future generations of native trees.
First collection on the Isle of Skye: We expanded our reach to the Isle of Skye, where we conducted our first volunteer-led tree seed collection. This is a vital step in widening our geographical impact.
Aspen root propagation: At the Woodland Crofter Nursery, volunteers began the propagation of aspen root cuttings, a critical task in maintaining genetic diversity, which strengthens resilience against disease.
Training and innovation: New tools, including a GIS Survey App, have been introduced to assist volunteers in tracking seed collection sites and tree observations. Additionally, seasonal training sessions have empowered volunteers with the skills to maximize the impact of their collections.
Planning for the future: Site visits to Orkney and new collaborations with nurseries and landowners are setting the stage for even greater achievements in the coming year. Collection plans for 2024-2025 are already being developed.
These accomplishments remind us that rewilding and restoring our forests is a collective effort, driven by the passion and commitment of individuals who care deeply about Scotland’s natural heritage.
🌱 Looking Forward 🌱
As we continue this journey, the Tree Seed Collection Project will focus on expanding seed collection areas, prioritizing rare and montane species, and building a network of volunteers who share our vision for a greener, more sustainable Scotland.
Together, we are ensuring that the forests of tomorrow will be as magnificent as those we seek to restore today.
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