Tree Seed Collection
Tree Seed Collection Project
Collecting and verifying seeds for at least one million trees
The Tree Seed Collection Project, focuses on the critical task of collecting and verifying seeds for at least 1,000,000 trees, with the aim to donate enough seeds to grow at least 500,000 trees across nurseries in Scotland.
A collaborative endeavour with Woodland Trust Scotland and Trees for Life, the Clean Planet Foundation are the largest private backer of the project.
Background
Planting trees is critical in supporting the expansion of Scotland’s Caledonian forest in areas where natural regeneration is not possible. For planted trees to have the best chance of survival, it's imperative to grow them from locally-collected seed. This maintains the species’ area-specific genetics, which bolsters resilience against disease and climate change.
Scotland has a shortage of native trees grown with traceable local provenance, particularly from the west coast – home to Scotland’s temperate rainforest.
Project Aims
This 3-year project aims to enhance the availability of native trees from western Scotland by organising volunteers and montane specialists to collect seeds from the specific geographical areas, predominantly in Scotland’s rainforest, where planting is planned. Local tree nurseries will receive assistance in growing trees from these seeds. The resulting trees will be supplied to Woodland Trust Scotland and Trees for Life for planting.
01
Expand geographical areas of seed collection in the west of Scotland
02
Focus on rare and montane tree species
03
Collect and verify seed for at least 1,000,000 trees over a 3-year period
04
Donate enough seed to grow at least 500,000 trees to nurseries across Scotland
Project
Supporters
The Clean Planet Foundation is the largest private backer of the project, Additionally, there are several other sponsors and supporters which enable this project to happen.
Documentary Synopsis:
"Behind The Trees" is a multi-award-winning documentary showcasing the remarkable rewilding efforts of Trees For Life. This impactful project is supported by the Clean Planet Foundation and various other partners.
Winner of Best Environmental Documentary at the Cannes World Film Festival. Join Trees for Life, a charity on a transformative 30-year journey to rewild the Scottish Highlands. With over 2 million trees planted to date, this documentary, presented by Sarah-Jane Stephens, offers an intimate look behind the scenes of this monumental conservation effort. Experience the passion, challenges, and triumphs as nature's guardians work tirelessly to restore Scotland's majestic landscapes.
"Visually stunning… a breathtaking tribute to the remarkable power of perseverance."
- New York International Film Awards
"A masterfully crafted film that captures the true essence of rewilding."
- Better Earth International Film Festival
"A remarkable film shedding light on an important cause, highlighting the crucial work of Trees for Life in addressing global challenges."
Cannes World Film Festival
"An extraordinary visual and emotional experience, celebrating the beauty of the wild."
Rome International Movie Awards
"Powerful… Inspiring for future generations"
- Makizhmithran International Film Festival
"Influential, thought-provoking, a journey of hope." Beyond Borders International Film Festival
Documentary Stills Gallery
"Behind The Trees" is a multi-award winning film - read more about the wins
Screened and Presented at the Cannes World Film Festival.
Latest
Updates
The Tree Seed Collection Project is a collaborative three-year project to enhance the availability of native trees. The project is working with over 100 volunteers to fulfil its aims.
Starting from Q2 2024, this page will provide updates on the challenges, success and general progress - in a bid to collect and verify seeds for at least one million trees.
Update Diary...
April 2024
Announcement
Announcing our 3rd flagship project to the world! To date, the project has already completed 79 collections, resulting in a total weight of 260.613kg in raw seed, marking a significant milestone towards an ambitious goal. Detailed project updates will follow here from July 2024.
June 2024
WINNER
We are incredibly excited to announce that a documentary, directed & produced by the Clean Planet Foundation, which both depicts the work of Trees for Life and outlines the importance of this seed project, has won at the Cannes World Film Festival - Read More Here
September 2024
Next Update
We will next be updating on the progress of the Tree Seed Collection campaign in September 2024.