Autumn Acorn Bonanza!

If you have been outdoors walking in nature you may have noticed the huge amount of acorns that the Oak trees are carrying this Autumn! This abundance of acorns happen every 5 to 10 years for Oak trees and is called a MAST year. Producing so many acorns all in one go is hard work for the tree and it may slow down its growth for that year. However it does ensure that there will be surplus acorns that the animals just can't eat allowing some to become seedlings. It's one of natures mysteries why one species chooses all to do it at the same time across the country, but it may be dependent on the weather we have had this year. 

Take your children for an Autumn ramble to see how many acorns they can find. Have a go at planting a few to see what happens. The children may find that some of the acorns they pick up have already started to split from their outer shell to reveal the seed inside. Remember though - remind the children not to put the acorns near their mouths and to wash their hands after handling the acorns.