You can collect seeds in any public place wherever you take a walk - woodlands, parks, and even arboretums are great places to find all sorts of tree seeds. But, if you are on private land, it is best to ask permission from the landowners.  Top tip, you will find most tree seeds in areas where there is plenty of light, and remember that older and more mature trees produce more seeds.  Tree seeds found in your local area are best as these will be already suited to grow in your local conditions.

Trees are vital for everyone, but sadly, due to years of deforestation, we desperately need more. Growing a tree from seed is a great way to get outside, connect with nature, and help protect our precious planet for generations to come.  If you are growing a tree from a local seed you've foraged, it will already be suited to its local environment and will have the best possible chance of survival. It is also a cheap and easy way to plant more native species.

For Plantober, we are collecting nut seeds as these are some of the easiest seeds to grow. We recommend planting native trees (oak, beech, walnut, horse chestnut, sweet chestnut, and hazel) as these are best suited for our wildlife and climate in the UK. For hazel, chestnut, and walnut seeds, you'll need to remove the outer shell to get access to the seeds inside.

All trees produce seeds but the seeds from a mature tree are always the best. Simply look on the ground under the tree for fallen tree seeds like conkers and acorns. Top tip, check that your nut seeds are good to use by doing the float test - simply put them into some water and if they float, they are less likely to germinate, if they sink, then they are good to go ahead and plant.  Avoid any seeds from trees that may be diseased, look for dead branches or bark falling away as well as withered or discoloured leaves. If you're unsure, it's probably best to look for another tree.

Tree seeds come in all different shapes and sizes and are packed with all the nutrients they need to germinate and grow into a wonderful tree.  Nuts are some of the easiest seeds to collect and grow which is why we like to encourage people to plant during Plantober.

Late September early October is the perfect time to collect your tree seed but you can gather them throughout the entire autumn season.  Often, the later seeds are better quality, so it is wise not to collect the first seeds that fall. Also, another thing to bear in mind is that lots of wildlife, like squirrels, depend on seeds for winter food so you may have to get in early before they all go!

Try to plant your seeds as soon as you can after collecting them so that they don't dry out. Top tip, it’s a good idea to have your soil and everything ready at home before you even go out to collect your seeds.  But, if you are not able to plant them straight away then storing your seeds in a bucket of water or soil  will help to keep them healthy and moist.

If you're on holiday in Inverness and bring your seed home to St Ives, you might find that your seed struggles to adapt and grow due to the varying climate.  Do not bring seeds home from abroad as not only are these not adapted to the UK climate, but you might bring invasive pests and diseases home with you which we certainly don’t want!

All trees have different growth and germination rates.  It is good to note that most seeds need a spell of cold weather to germinate so once you've planted your seed, leave it in a sheltered place outside over the winter months.  You could plant 2 or 3 seeds in the same pot to increase your chances of success but choosing the right seed and nurturing it well will give your seed the best chance of germinating and growing into a beautiful tree for you and future generations to enjoy.