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, 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.

“Trees provide a home for wildlife, and help reduce the effects of climate change by taking in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere,” Ffion continued.

“2017 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 16th October and 3rd November. NRW will pay £4.10 a kilogram for the acorns.

Once grown to saplings, NRW will use them to replant local forests and woodlands.

Anyone interested in taking part in Acorn Antics need to download the ‘Essential Guide to Acorn Collecting’, and complete the ‘Acorn Registration Form’ available on NRW’s website at NaturalResources.Wales/AcornAntics