On a day that was forecast to be rainy, we gathered in a blooming meadow to collect wild plant seeds using a specialised seed harvester purchased as part of the DiverSEED project.

The location was chosen following a detailed assessment of the local vegetation, with species typical of meadow habitats present here, such as cross gentian (Gentiana cruciata), deptford pink (Dianthus armeria), wild oregano (Origanum vulgare), field scabious (Knautia arvensis), and betony (Stachys oficinalis).

Together with our partners from the DiverSEED project – representatives of Fundatia ADEPT Transilvania – and guided by Harvey Sherwood, a British expert in seed collection with extensive knowledge of the equipment, we got to work.

After drying and separating the seeds from plant debris, they will be planted in selected target habitats undergoing restoration. One of our tasks within the DiverSEED project is to restore 150 hectares of meadow over the next five years, in the Natura 2000 Târnava Mică – Bicheș site.

You can find more information about the project here.

We thank the farmers for making it possible to collect seeds on their land and for supporting our work. Without them, this effort would not have been possible.