The gathering was met with a positive reception, and attendees were provided with an overview of the intended utilisation of birch seeds in the expansion of birch woodlands. Additionally, they were informed about the available techniques for transforming derelict land into forested areas. One such method employed in South Iceland involves the combination of birch seeds with bonemeal, thereby achieving dual benefits when the bone meal is distributed in regions such as the extensive Hekla Forest Area. The nutrients present in the bone meal contribute to the germination and initial growth of the birch seeds. Given the diminutive size and low energy content of birch seeds, it is crucial to provide them with access to nutrients, particularly during their early stages of development.

Seeds collected from special collection boxes at Olís service stations and Bónus grocery stores are being gathered nationwide. The total quantity of seeds collected is yet to be determined and will be disclosed in due course. In North Iceland, these seeds will be utilised in experiments, combined with organic material, and distributed to areas undergoing land reclamation by Land and Forest Iceland, such as Hólasandur and similar sandy regions in Northeast Iceland. In East Iceland, a substantial amount of seeds were collected by the East Iceland Nature Agency. These seeds will be appropriately packaged and distributed to school groups and other interested parties for sowing projects next spring. These initiatives exemplify the collective power of the public in both collecting seeds and sowing them in areas designated for enhancing the spread of birch and other vegetation.

In addition to the seed collection efforts by the general public, Land and Forest Iceland personnel have collected seeds from select birch provenances. For nursery cultivation of birch seedlings, it is crucial to provide nurseries with high-quality seeds that exhibit excellent germination rates, making them suitable for sowing and seedling production. These seeds are more likely to produce robust plants that eventually become fruitful seed producers, capable of self-sowing and facilitating the natural spread of birch.

Land and Forest Iceland expresses its gratitude to the students of Sunnulækjarskóli for their contributions, as well as all those who participated in the birch seed collection effort this autumn.