Friday 9 October 2015

Seed Gathering Season

Pupils in Carrickfergus have been ‘putting down roots’ and gathering seeds in local green spaces and woodlands as part of Seed Gathering Season 2015 – a month-long festival organised by The Tree Council and supported by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council - which runs from 23rd September to 23rd October.

Pauline Buchanan Black, director-general of The Tree Council explained “The festival aims to inspire people to get outside and gather, nurture and germinate tree seeds for the benefit of their neighbourhoods. The trees that are most likely to put down the strongest roots are the ones whose seeds have been gathered from local stock. Walks in the autumn sunshine provide the perfect opportunity to collect local seeds from parks, streets, woods and hedgerows. A strong community, just like a healthy tree, starts with solid roots. So, what better way for a community to look back to its roots, and put down fresh ones, than by coming together to grow more plants from seed?”
Victoria Primary School’s Eco Club collected hawthorn, holly, rose hips, blackberries, 
elderberries and more in Oakfield Glen, Carrickfergus.

Mayor of MEA, Cllr Billy Ashe added “In addition to thinking about their local treescape and growing the trees of the future, MEA Council is also encouraging everyone to make the most of the autumn harvest by gathering nuts, fruits and berries to eat and make into delicious autumnal treats. We have a wide range of events coming up that celebrate our local landscape including Apple Day, Hedgelaying workshops and Tree Week, so why not get involved. The community that plants and eats together, puts down roots together.”

More information on seed gathering can be found here 

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