As we mentioned, we’re currently developing a comprehensive restoration plan for the areas affected by the recent wildfires. One of the most important steps in this process is seed collection. It’s a task that anyone can contribute to — simple in concept, but massive in scale. That’s why we’re reaching out to ask for your help.
What seeds do we need?
In short — anything available right now. We’re primarily looking for herbaceous plants, but tree seeds are also welcome. What matters most at this stage is quantity and diversity. We need a lot of seeds. If you’re willing to commit time to gather large amounts, we’d be happy to compensate you for your effort. If you just want to help in your spare time — fantastic! Every contribution makes a difference.
A few guidelines for seed collection: use containers of various sizes — including large ones; some seeds are easiest to collect by cutting entire branches; others can be directly gathered into jars or bags.
Whether you plan to plant the seeds yourself or hand them over to us — we’ll make sure they find their way back into the land. Together we’ll bring life back to the soil.
Examples of what you can collect right now
Wild almond — a hardy tree that thrives in dry conditions.
Resilient grasses — like the ones pushing through gravel in harsh terrain. Their toughness will serve us well.
Umbellifers (Apiaceae) — fast-growing, high-biomass plants that make excellent mulch. These are perfect for restoring bare soil.
Folded umbrella-like species — found on dry rocky slopes, these are also excellent candidates.
Wild mustard — the most common yellow-flowered plant in Cyprus, it’s a pioneer species that quickly colonizes damaged ground. To collect it efficiently, break off the seed heads, bag them, and later sift the seeds from the dry debris.
Let’s restore the island together — seed by seed, step by step.
If you have questions or want to contribute in a more organized way, reach out to us directly. We’ll be happy to guide you.