Between September and November this year why not be a Jay for the day!
Jays are fascinating birds-they bury and hide thousands of acorns over the winter, and can even remember where they have planted 10,000 acorns!
By copying Jays, picking up an acorn and burying it, you can help plant oak trees that are home to over 2000 different species. This plays a big role in helping to restore our woodlands and protect all of the birds and insects
that call oak trees their home.
Watch for advice from our Junior Rangers on how to be a jay!
What do I need to do?
Being a Jay for the day couldn’t be more simple! Just follow the steps on our how-to guide below:
Step 1: Find your acorn- have a look in your garden, park or on a walk!
Top Tips: Only take acorns from the ground, not the tree. Only take a handful leaving some for local wildlife. Do not venture onto private land. You can also map where you find them on our website to let us and others know where acorns are in abundance.
Step 2: Find a place to plant your acorn, such as your garden, the woodland you found it in, or even start it off in a pot!
Top Tips: Some local community groups will be running Be A Jay Day events. More info coming soon. Do not plant on private land without the owner’s permission.
Step 3: Be a Jay and bury your acorn around 3cm into the ground, ideally where it gets lots of sun.
Top Tips: Float your acorn in a cup of water. Dry and damaged acorns will float. These acorns probably won't germinate. Good, healthy acorns will sink. Plant the seed on its side to increase the chances of sprouting
Step 4: Map your acorn on our website.
Step 5: Give it time and go and check on your acorn after winter to see if it has sprouted!
Layers
