Acorn Antics will help plant important new oak trees throughout Wales

NATURAL Resources Wales (NRW) is asking education and learning groups to get outside and collect acorns.

The Acorn Antics project, which takes place each year, helps NRW plant more trees which have been grown from local seeds.

It also gives young people the opportunity to learn about and connect with the natural environment in Wales. Ffion Hughes, education co-ordinator at Natural Resources Wales, said: “Re-planting trees in the area they were found as acorns can reduce the chances of spreading pests and diseases that can devastate our forests in Wales.

“This project gives children the chance to get outside and learn about our woodlands and forests, while helping to protect them at the same time.” The seed collection can be organised by education and learning groups such as schools, Brownies, Scouts or Young Farmers.

People can also get involved by donating acorns to their local group or inviting them to collect acorns from their land.

Ms Hughes added: “Trees provide a home for wildlife and help reduce the effects of climate change by taking in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

“They also help reduce flood risk and help create great places for people to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

“This year is a great acorn year so we hope that lots of groups will want to get outside, raise some money, and help ensure there will be plenty of Welsh oaks for the future.” Groups can drop their acorns off at their local NRW office between October 16 and November 3.

NRW will pay £4.10 a kilogram for the acorns.

They will be sent to the Forestry Commission nursery in Cheshire, and once they have grown to saplings, NRW will use them to replant local forests and woodlands.