At the Forest of Flowers we have sown 74 acres of meadows with 35 wildflower species. Every year we collect seeds responsibly and sell them, raising important funds for our conservation project with a product that supports habitat creation and biodiversity elsewhere in the UK. 

In this event, Alwyn Craven, founder of the Forest of Flowers in Huby, will showcase our seed collecting techniques while offering you the chance to try it yourself by gathering seeds from our meadows. You will be able to take your seed home with you at no extra cost, for sowing yourself or to give as a gift. 

Together we will look at: 

• Wildflower species identification after going to seed
• Responsible seed collecting techniques, including avoiding disruption/damage to the plant and the wider area
• Seed cleaning and storage
• Seed sowing and cultivation

The afternoon will include an initial talk followed by a guided seed collecting tour and then refreshments.

About Forest of Flowers

The Forest of Flowers project has created 74 acres of new woodland and wildflower meadows, with the sole aim to provide a thriving natural sanctuary for wildlife.

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The land, previously a mixed arable and sheep farm, was re-purposed in 2016 when over 42,000 trees and shrubs were planted, alongside 35 native wildflower species. This is part of a vision to create a thriving ecosystem to benefit pollinators, birds and a diverse range of native wildlife.

The project also supports:

• Carbon capture to reduce the effects of climate change.
• Prevention of flooding in the local area.
• UK wildflower population, providing seeds from the meadows to other sites nationwide.

About Alwyn Craven

Alwyn studied Biology at Oxford University, achieved a Diploma in Horticulture with Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, before working with the WWT London Wetland Centre and going on to lead the Forest of Flowers plantation near York. Alwyn has an excellent knowledge of ecology as well as plant and wildlife species and taxonomy.

All ticket sales will support our conservation work here on the Forest of Flowers nature reserve. Thank you!

Tickets are limited and booking is essential.

Visitor Reviews from Previous Events

"Thank you for a most enjoyable, relaxing, varied and informative event. It was a very special, unique and memorable afternoon. The structure was excellent as it was so varied and the activities linked together so well. We were made to feel welcome from the moment we arrived and the setting under the gazebo in the orchard was absolutely perfect... and your friendly cat was an added bonus!" - August 2022

"From our perspective it was just the right balance, giving people a chance to learn, share their stories, mix with others, ask questions. As always, your knowledge and enthusiasm shone through and I’m sure everyone found the afternoon useful and interesting." - August 2022