As part of our 400th anniversary celebrations, we planned to collect and grow over 400 trees from seed within and around Oxford.
Excitingly, we have met our goal and are now aiming for 600 trees!
How can you help?
Collect seeds from the following four native UK species and grow them at home. For advice on where to plant your trees see this helpful guide by the Tree Council.
English oak
Quercus robur
Field maple
Acer campestre
Hornbeam
Carpinus betulus
Hazel
Corylus avellana
How to get started
Use our guide to identify, collect, stratify, and sow your trees.
Learn how to grow your trees and discover some fun facts along the way.
not to collect anything from trees beside busy roads or on old industrial sites
that you’ll need land to plant on and permission to do so from the landowner. You’ll need to consider which species is most appropriate for the size and uses of the space, as well as ecological conditions such as the soil type and level of shade. You will also need to ensure that you have the resources to provide aftercare to the trees you plant in the tender early years after planting, otherwise the tree may not thrive.
If you have trees which need a home you can contact a number of organisations in your local area: your district council, community groups, farms, schools, nurseries, garden centres, wildlife trusts, conservation organisations in the area. You can also contact anyone who is holding an event in your area during National Tree Week who might like more trees to plant.
Record your tree
To help us keep track of our progress please record the number of trees you have collected and grown from each species.
