Seed Collection of Western Australian Native Plants

In 1998 Apace Aid Inc. developed a course specifically to assist groups and individuals who are interested in collection of seed for revegetation purposes, but do not know where to start. Apace is actively involved in seed collection projects and propagation of West Australian plants, as well as having a long history of providing the community with interesting courses with strong practical components. In 1999, with funding from the Natural Heritage Trust, Apace introduced an important new project, Western Australia's first Community Seed Bank facility for the Perth Region. This facility provides community groups with a fully resourced centre in which to process and store provenance seed for revegetation projects.

The Apace course in seed collection helps to equip the participants with the basic skills required to undertake with confidence the collection, processing and storage of quality native seed from various plant community types. The course consists of one day of theory and two days practical. The theory session covers the correct use, care and maintenance of tools, seed collection best practice, hygiene, legal requirements and obligations, as well as a discussion on the operating guidelines for seed-banks, and current developments at a regional and national level. The planning and execution of a seed collection programme is discussed in detail. The Apace library has a range of publications on West Australian native plants which students are encouraged to use for reference both during and after the course. The second day is a field collection day and the third is devoted to the practical methods used to process the raw seed material previously collected.