大象传媒

What is Ourboretum?

Ourboretum is a campaign to help replace the trees in Gloucestershire that are dying from the incurable ash dieback disease.

Who is part of Ourboretum?

大象传媒 Radio Gloucestershire has partnered with the Cotswolds Conservation Board to run the campaign, but most importantly WE NEED YOU to bring it to life.

What is ash dieback disease?

Hymenoscyphus fraxineus is an Ascomycete fungus that causes ash dieback, a chronic fungal disease of ash trees in Europe characterised by leaf loss and crown dieback in infected trees. It is expected to kill up to 95% of ash trees across the UK. At a cost of billions, the effects will be staggering. It will change the landscape forever and threaten many species which rely on ash.

Which variety of trees will Ourboretum be growing?

, and Oak trees ( and ). Although we recognise the value of many species in Gloucestershire, to keep it simple and to reflect species that thrive and have cultural significance in the county, we are focusing on beech, hazel and oak.

These three can also be easily grown from seed at home. Please do not grow trees such as horse chestnut as they are prone to disease and are not native to the county. We may consider other suitable tree species as well, for growers with more experience, but please contact us first about this.

Why plant more trees?

Trees are a vital aspect of our climate for air purity, water intake, biodiversity and even our health. They also play a crucial role for our wildlife and we want to ensure they remain a key part of the Gloucestershire landscape for generations to come.

How many trees will Ourboretum grow and plant?

We are aiming for 2,020 trees from seed planted during the year 2020.

Is the Ourboretum campaign running elsewhere in the UK?

No, Ourboretum is currently specific to Gloucestershire.

What seeds can I collect to grow?

Acorns (for oak trees), beech nuts and hazelnuts. See our identification guides (.pdf) to know how to recognise these seeds.

Will you be accepting oak, beech or hazel trees planted BEFORE Autumn 2020?

No. Only trees grown from seed collected and potted in Autumn 2020 are viable for Ourboretum. We are keen to have all participants to be potting and growing at the same time.

Can I grow seeds for Ourboretum I’ve bought through the internet?

No. The acorns (pedunculate and sessile), hazelnuts and beechmast need to have been collected from good seed stock in Gloucestershire during Autumn 2020.

Are you collecting and planting ash seeds/'keys'?

No. For Ourboretum we are growing three different species - oak (pedunculate and sessile), hazel and beech.

How many seeds should I plant?

We recommend everyone collects five seeds/nuts to plant and grow. If you’re part of a school or organisation, and you wish to grow more, do contact us for guidance. We’d love to hear how many you’re growing so we can count you in.

How do I plant my seeds?

Plant them in good soil or peat-free compost in a plant pot, an old bucket or other container with drainage holes in the bottom. Label the pot with what type of tree they are and where the seed was collected from. Place the pot away from other trees and shrubs. Keep them in your garden, or on your balcony. Wait for the green shoots and keep in touch to let us know how you’re getting on.

Where do I store my seeds while they are growing?

Place the pot away from other trees, shrubs and pets. Keep them in your garden, or on your balcony. Wait for the green shoots and email us to let us know what trees you are growing in your pots and where.

Where do I find acorns, beech nuts and hazelnuts?

You may be able to collect these from your garden, local parks or the countryside. Other places may include; wildlife reserves, National Trust sites and country parks.

What do I do when my trees have started growing?

Once your seeds have grown to a minimum of 40cm and been hardened outdoors throughout 2021, they will be ready to be transplanted. Next winter (2021/22) we hope to arrange collection points for you to bring the young trees to. Trees may then be planted by volunteers or at special tree planting events for you to come and plant the trees you have grown yourself.

Where will my trees eventually be planted?

We will plant the trees in wild places in the city, in parks, in towns and in the wider countryside. We will only plant where we have the permission of the land owner. Trees will be planted in a tube or with a spiral guard to protect them from rabbits and deer. They will be planted as single specimen trees, in small groups and perhaps as a copse or small woodland. No guerrilla planting will be permitted.

Who will plant the trees?

The trees will be planted by volunteers and – depending on Covid-19 guidance – we may organise some tree planting events so you can also plant the trees you have grown yourself.

Who do I email to tell them what I am growing?

When your seeds are safely growing in their containers, email us at trees@bbc.co.uk and tell us:

• How many nuts and/or acorns are you growing?
• Who are you growing the trees for?
• What species are you growing?
• Where were your seeds collected from?

Do I have to live in Gloucestershire to take part?

Yes

Who do I contact if I have questions?

We’d love to hear from you, just email us at trees@bbc.co.uk.