Around 150 specialist tree seed harvesters across France are collecting high-canopy seeds for the National Forests Office to help create climate-resilient woodlands.
Known in French forestry as squirrels, these technical arborists climb to the very top of mature trees to gather superior seeds before they fall to the ground. The harvested seeds will be cultivated and replanted to diversify forest species and bolster resistance against changing weather patterns.
The little-known profession was featured in a report on the TF1 evening news broadcast on September 29, 2026. The television feature documented the work of the harvesters in the upper canopy and tracked the movement of the seeds destined to shape future forests.
The National Forests Office, known locally as the Office national des forêts, manages public and state-owned woodlands across France. The public agency is responsible for sustainable timber management, forest conservation, and large-scale replanting programs designed to safeguard natural habitats.
High canopy seed collection
Tree seed harvesting is a physically demanding role requiring specialized climbing equipment, safety harnesses, and arborist rigging. Harvesters operate dozens of meters above the ground, navigating tree crowns to reach the healthiest cones and seed pods.
Collecting seeds directly from the canopy ensures that foresters obtain fully mature, undamaged specimens. Treetop harvesting prevents seeds from being contaminated, damaged by ground moisture, or consumed by forest wildlife before collection team members can retrieve them.
The term squirrel has long been applied in French arboriculture to workers who specialize in high-altitude tree work. The role requires extensive technical training in tree access, safety protocols, and species identification to ensure that harvest activities do not harm the parent trees.
Foresters select parent trees based on vigor and health, aiming to harvest genetic material that offers high vitality. By securing seeds from dominant canopy specimens, the national forestry service can raise robust seedlings with strong growth characteristics.
Building resilient forests
Forests in France face growing environmental challenges driven by rising temperatures, severe summer droughts, and increased risks of pest infestations and wildfires. Monoculture tree stands and unadapted species are particularly vulnerable to rapid climatic shifts.
Diversifying woodland species is a key strategy employed by state foresters to protect ecosystems and timber supplies. Combining different tree varieties improves overall forest stability, ensuring that woodlands can withstand extreme weather events and ecological pressures.
Once harvesters bring the seeds down from the canopy, the material is transported to specialized tree nurseries for sorting and germination. The seeds undergo quality checks before being planted under controlled conditions to produce healthy young saplings.
The resulting saplings will later be planted across public forest land managed by the National Forests Office. Through careful species selection and targeted replanting, forest managers aim to establish diverse, adaptable woodlands capable of thriving for generations to come.
