Garden centre teams up with The Tree Council for free children's workshop

By Barrie Hudson - 27 September 2023

BusinessCommunity

A Swindon garden centre has announced a children's workshop focusing on the vital role of seeds.

Dobbies is supporting the Tree Council’s seed gathering campaign with a special edition of its Little Seedlings Club workshop in its Hyde Road store on Sunday 1 October. 

The free event will offer children aged 4-10 the chance to learn about 'Super Seeds' and the vital role they play in bettering the environment and wider ecosystem. 

Seed Gathering Season, a month-long campaign run by The Tree Council, began with the Autumn equinox on 23 September, and is a crucial time of year when everyone can get involved in gathering tree seeds, nuts and fruits that will grow to become the next generation of life-giving trees, shrubs and hedgerows.

The workshop is described as a fun and interactive morning led by Dobbies’ gardening experts. Children will be introduced to a variety of seeds commonly found in gardens and parks, including pinecones, sycamore and apples. 

Dobbies’ Community and CSR Communications Executive, Chloë Bell, said: "We're thrilled to join forces with our good friends at The Tree Council for this special Little Seedlings workshop in our Swindon store. 

"At Dobbies we have a commitment to nurture young minds and ensure the preservation of our natural environment for future generations.”

The workshop will delve into the essential role seeds and plants play in nature, from producing oxygen to providing food and habitats for animals, as well as enriching the soil. Dobbies' gardening experts will demonstrate the journey of tree growth, from planting to germination, helping children understand how seeds travel, whether through the wind, animal fur, or other ways in everyday nature. 

There will be a special focus on acorns and oak trees, showcasing their unique characteristics and remarkable lifespan of up to 1,000 years. Children will also get the chance to create their own acorn collage to take home.

Tree Council Chief Executive Sara Lom said: “At the Tree Council we are committed to helping young people connect, learn, share and care about the vital role trees play in our environment.  

"By partnering with Dobbies’ Swindon store, we can reach a wide audience of engaged youngsters who will help inspire the next generation to protect and nurture trees for people, wildlife and our planet.”

Dobbies is supporting the planting of 500 trees and 100 metres of hedgerows across the UK as part of its partnership with The Tree Council, formed in celebration of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. 

This commitment from Dobbies, alongside 69 like-minded and green–hearted partners, will see over 35,000 trees and 7 kilometres of hedgerows planted across the country. 

More information about the workshop can be found by visiting events.dobbies.com/event-detail/?e=4243&v=0&r=v and about The Tree Council’s Seed Gathering Campaign at https://treecouncil.org.uk/seasonal-campaigns/seed-gathering-season/

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