Some of these are obvious, like the bright red rosehips in the hedgerows. Whilst some others like conkers are known through school games. But there are so many others around at the moment if you take a moment to look when you are in the woods.
We can only describe a few here and of course we should start with acorns. These are one of our most well known woodland fruits and come from oak trees. Acorns are such a good energy source that in the past people used to keep their pigs in the woods over winter to fattening them up.
You may also see lots of ‘helicopters’ on different trees. These are two winged seeds that are joined together in the middle. They are called helicopters because as they fall to the ground in a graceful spiral. Helicopters are found on trees in the maple family so you will see them on our native Field maple but also the commonly planted street tree Norway maple. Sycamore is another maple that you will often find.
Berries are a more obvious fruit. While red berries look pretty to us, in nature red often means danger or poison. Insects often use this tactic to warn off predators but some insects are just faking it and aren’t poisonous at! Birds seem to be attracted to red berries like those on holly or rowan trees. Both sides gain as the birds have a tasty meal and the tree gets its seeds ‘dispersed’ by the birds!
You can even collect fruits and grow them into trees to plant in your garden or at one of our tree planting events. Don’t collect all the seeds you see though. We need some to grow into trees next year and they are an important food for woodland birds and mammals throughout autumn and winter. Squirrels love hazelnuts and will chew through the shell to eat the nut before they are even ripe.
Growing trees from seeds (PDF)
This leaflet gives you an introduction to collecting and growing your own trees from seed.
