Seed Information

Why is seed source important?
Many British native trees have been growing in the UK for over 8,000 years. During that time they have become well adapted to their local growing conditions, ie the climate, altitude and soil fertility. Seed collected from these trees will therefore produce the most suitable progeny for planting back into that locality when compared to using plants of continental provenance. For many years, plant specifiers have not asked enough questions regarding the source of the nursery stock they are planting. Much of the stock used to plant native woodlands has come from unsuitable sources outside the UK.

Choice of provenance
Maelor Forest Nurseries has been a key player in promoting the use of British seed sources. Through our own UK seed collections Maelor is able to offer a range of provenances suitable for different planting locations.
Wherever possible, plants for new woodland and hedging should be grown from seed collected in the same geographical/climatic zone as the planting site. Where planting is into ancient semi-natural woodland, use of local seed is even more important.

We aim to make separate collections from as many different geographical areas as possible. However if you have a planting scheme that demands very site-specific stock, then please talk to us about contract growing. We may be able to arrange for collection of seed from your site and would then treat the seed and grow it on.

Choice of species
Care should be taken when planting native broadleaves to ensure that the species chosen are suitable for the area into which they are being introduced. Climatic conditions, elevation and soil type will all affect how well a particular species thrives. It should be remembered that not all native species occur naturally in all parts of the country and incorrect choice of species may look incongruous in the landscape.

Seed provenance map
We recommend the use of the Forestry Commission's map of Seed Collection Areas (see below) and the associated table of native species to be encouraged in each zone. These are published in Forestry Commission Practice Note no. 8 and are helpful when choosing the right species for the right location. At Maelor, our seed collections are batched according to these areas. Plant specifiers should use the map as a tool for describing to nurserymen the provenance from which they wish to buy stock. The identity numbers shown on the map are listed in our catalogue against each batch of native plants.

Seed Collection Areas for Native Trees and Shrubs

Seed Collectors
We are always looking for new seed collectors and new sites to collect seed from, all over the UK. If you would like flexible temporary employment between September and November then contact us. We provide guidance on collecting, as well as sacks to place the seed in. We also arrange all seed collections. Rates of pay on asking.

Woodland / Hedgerow owners.
If you are the owner or manager of a woodland or large hedgerow anywhere in the UK and are interested in having the seeds collected then please get in touch. We pay royalties if we collect from your land, this can be in the form of trees from the seeds collected.

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If you have any queries regarding seed sources or native growing contracts or if you would like to become a tree seed collector, then please contact Hannah Taylor by e-mailing seed@maelor.co.uk.