The Tree Council

Kōyō (紅葉) is a beautiful Japanese term that means "red leaves" or "autumn foliage." It is commonly used to describe the seasonal colours of leaves during autumn.

Put ripe cones in a paper bag to dry out naturally for a few days - but avoid direct heat. When the cones are dry, they will open up and release their seeds, which are then ready to be sown! 🌳 #SeedGatheringSeason

Who would have thought that breaking up a noble fir cone would be so satisfying? A huge thank you to everyone who has watched our Seed Gathering Season online talks! 🧡 #SeedGatheringSeason

Trees that produce fleshy fruits are the most time-consuming to process, but that doesn't mean the process isn't fun! As much of the fleshy material needs to be removed, using a rough surface such as a paving slab can speed up the seed-cleaning process! #SeedGatheringSeason

Nuts will produce a radicle, which is known as the first root. This can be encouraged by keeping the seeds in a bucket of leaf mould and turning them gently so they don't rot. Once you see the radicle start to sprout, you can then plant the seed! #SeedGatheringSeason

🌰🐿️ It’s Red Squirrel Awareness Week! Did you know red squirrels depend on our native trees — like Scots pine, oak, and hazel — for food and shelter? 🌲🌿 By protecting and planting the right trees, we’re not just growing trees… we’re giving red squirrels a future. 💚 #RedSquirrelAwarenessWeek

Hands up if you love tree seed gathering! ✋️ #SeedGatheringSeason

Wow, what a beautiful photo taken by our Growing Together Programme Manager, Katie! This truly captures the whimsicalness of a woodland. #FungiFriday

After our Seed Gathering Season Masterclass last week, we asked Jon, our Director of Science, Research and Trees, to get creative with his tree seed display. Please do send us your creative seed gathering displays! #SeedGatheringSeason

Want to learn how to identify trees and grow your own from seed? Our handy Tree Grower’s Guide has everything you need to get started. Head over to our website to find out more! >> buff.ly/dFgxSNA

Today's #FungiFriday feature is the shaggy parasol spotted by our National Tree Warden Scheme Coordinator, Sam. Shaggy parasols often grow in "fairy rings" and, in European folklore, these mysterious circles were said to be where fairies, pixies and elves danced.

As the days grow shorter and temperatures begin to drop, trees become even more important for wildlife. These five fantastic trees are just some of the autumn favourites for nature. #SeedGatheringSeason

Our Director of Science, Research and Trees, Jon Stokes, shows us how to perform a seed float test. This short clip was taken from last year's seed gathering masterclass webinar. Check out our website for our upcoming free events! buff.ly/yDWVLIf

It's #FungiFriday! Our National Tree Warden Scheme Coordinator, Sam, spotted this fly agaric at Pittencrieff Park, Dunfermline. Fly agaric is especially fond of birch, pine and spruce trees!

Where have all the acorns gone? Following a bumper mast year, it's normal for oak trees to produce far fewer acorns for a while. Have you spotted a shortage in your area? Let us know below.

Join us for our third and final Seed Gathering Season online talk, as our panellists share their experiences collecting seed across the UK. Sign up for free today! >> buff.ly/IBR40xJ

Scotland’s Tree Warden Forum is coming to #Glasgow! 📅 Sat 12 Sep 📍 Elder Park Library 🎫 Tickets £10. Book 👉️ buff.ly/AE4GHiU All with an interest in trees are welcome. Includes guided walk, fab talks, lunch & free Tree Growers Guide! @thetreecouncil.bsky.social @tcvnational.bsky.social #TreeWarden

English ⬇️ 🌳 Diolch yn fawr i @thetreecouncil.bsky.social am ein gwahodd i siarad yn Llanerchaeron. Criw gwych, lleoliad gogoneddus, diwrnod hyfryd! 🌳Many thanks to The Tree Council for inviting us to speak at @nationaltrust.org.uk Llanerchaeron on Saturday. Great crew, wonderful venue, lovely day!