Joining Forces for Nature: Tree Seed Collection at Nant Ffrancon

Recently, staff from Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and National Trust Cymru came together for a volunteering day in the stunning Nant Ffrancon valley in Eryri. They collected process seeds from local trees that will help create new woodland and restore vital habitats in the area.

The day began with a walk across National Trust land in Nant Ffrancon, searching for suitable tree species such as hawthorn, blackthorn, rowan and hazel. These species are not only native but also hardy, having adapted to the challenging mountain environment. By collecting seeds from these trees, we can ensure that the next generation of woodland is resilient and well-suited to the local conditions.

Seed collection followed a simple but important rule: take no more than 20% of the berries or nuts from any tree. This ensures there is plenty left for wildlife and the natural ecosystem. Once collected, the seeds were taken to the National Trust’s tree nursery, where we extracted them from the berries and prepared them for planting.

 

 

Healthy woodlands bring many benefits, they help restore habitats for a wide range of species, including birds such as ring ouzels, merlins and common sandpipers.

It’s not just about trees and wildlife. they also provide natural corridors for species to move and thrive, help manage water in the landscape, and play a part in tackling climate change by storing carbon and reducing pollution. They also support diverse communities of fungi, mosses, ferns, liverworts and lichens, which depend on these habitats to survive.

By working together, NRW and National Trust Cymru are helping to shape a healthier, more resilient future – one seed at a time.