GATHER your thoughts and gather some seeds at an event being held this weekend as part of conservation work by Okehampton?s Old Town Park Partnership.
The project aims to boost the profile of Okehampton?s historic Old Town Park, just across the river from Okehampton Castle, through partnership work between South West Forest and West Devon Borough Council.
Young and old alike are being invited to come along and join in an interesting and enjoyable morning gathering seed and learning how to identify the best ones for growing.
The event takes place at Old Town Park this Sunday, (October 10) from 10am to midday. Booking will be required in order to secure a place.
Jim White, woodland projects officer for South West Forest, said: ?Sunday mornings are not a time when I would normally go around outside, picking things up off the ground. but I am happy to make an exception for Seed Gathering Sunday.
?We are eager to help local communities secure the future use and enjoyment of their local woods.
?Collecting viable seed from good quality trees will help ensure that new stock can be grown in the area for the future, giving benefit to wildlife, the wood-based resource and the local economy in the long-term.?
West Devon Borough Council?s project development and countryside officer Esther Richmond said: ?Okehampton?s Old Town Park Partnership is an excellent example of how local people and organisations can do much to help secure and sustain the value of an important local natural resource.?
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Tree Council. Many may remember the campaigns ?Plant a tree in ?73? and ?Plant some more in ?74?. The success of these initiatives led to the formation of the tree council 30 years ago and it is still going strong.
The Tree Council has designated the second Sunday in October as ?Seed Gathering Sunday?, a time to collect seeds to grow the new trees of the future.
October is the best time in the year to gather seeds from many of our more common trees.
Anyone can take part ? it is fun, easy to do and the cheapest way to obtain young trees for planting.
For more information and to book your place ring Jim White, woodland project officer. Tel: 01409 221896 or e-mail: [email protected]">[email protected]