A group of volunteers have gathered 2.2 million rare seeds in an effort to enhance ancient native woodlands and rainforest areas throughout Scotland.

In a major development for the restoration of Scotland’s native ancient woodlands and temperate rainforest, a joint initiative between Trees for Life and Woodland Trust Scotland has successfully collected over two million rare native tree seeds in its first year.

Since last August, a team of more than 80 volunteers has collected 2.2 million seeds, exceeding the initial target of 500,000 trees. These seeds will enable the growth of 1.5 million trees for rewilding across Scotland, with a focus on rare tree species from Scotland’s remaining fragments of ancient woodland and west coast temperate rainforest.

The project aims to preserve the unique genetics of these tree species, which date back to the end of the last Ice Age. With many of these trees located in remote areas, the project has created a network of volunteer seed collectors who have gained access to local woods and knowledge.

“The success of this project is a symbol of hope for the future. By preserving genetically precious and rare species, we are able to restore native ancient woodland and rainforest, providing homes for a variety of wildlife,” said Roz Birch, the Tree Seed Collection Project’s Volunteer Coordinator.

The growing team of volunteers has allowed the project to source seeds from a wide range of rare species, including aspen and juniper. It has also helped address Scotland’s shortage of other native trees with traceable local provenance.

Once collected, the seeds are processed and tested before being sent to nurseries for sowing and growing. The young trees will be available for planting at sites across Scotland this autumn, including Woodland Trust Scotland projects to restore Scotland’s rainforest and Caledonian pinewoods.

The project will also benefit the Trusts’ Croft Woodland and MOREwoods schemes, which help crofters, smallholders, and common grazings associations manage and plant woodlands. Additionally, a 30-year landscape-scale project in Assynt will establish new native woodlands and restore remnant rainforest.

Tree planting is crucial for Scotland’s threatened Caledonian forest, of which less than 2% remains. Trees for Life volunteers have already planted over two million trees at various sites across the Highlands, restoring this unique habitat that supports a diverse range of wildlife, including red squirrels, capercaillie, and crossbills.

Trees for Life is actively seeking volunteers to join the tree seed collection project in western and northern Scotland. Training and equipment will be provided for collecting and storing seeds. Interested individuals can contact Roz Birch at roz@treesforlife.org.uk for more information.

Funding for the Tree Seed Collection project comes from Woodland Trust Scotland, with support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery and other supporters. The Trees for Life Wild Seed Appeal, along with the BrITE Foundation, Clean Planet Foundation, and Ella’s Kitchen, also provide support.

Scotland is currently one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. As members of the Scottish Rewilding Alliance, Trees for Life and Woodland Trust Scotland are urging people to sign the Rewilding Nation Charter, calling on the Scottish Government to declare Scotland a rewilding nation and commit to nature recovery on 30% of land and sea.

This marks a significant step towards the restoration of Scotland’s natural landscape and the preservation of its unique wildlife. With the support of volunteers and funding, this project will continue to make a positive impact on Scotland’s biodiversity.