RESIDENTS are being asked to gather seeds from native and endemic trees as part of an island-wide campaign to replenish the huge loss caused by Hurricane Fabian.

The critical shortage of plants - and a lack of seeds - inspired the Ministry of the Environment and a host of local environmental programmes, to turn to the public for assistance in restoring numbers, a Government spokesperson said.

As such, people with Bermuda cedars, Bermuda palmettos, olivewood bark and other native trees on their property, are being asked to collect the berries and deliver them to designated locations in brown paper bags.

The berries are easily recognised - those from Bermuda cedar are dark purple when ripe; Bermuda palmetto, round and black; olivewood bark, oval and yellowish-white - and may be spotted on trees or on the ground below, and should be collected now through winter, the spokesperson explained.

"After the storm, with the loss of so many trees, Bermuda needs to replant with native and endemics. These trees are well suited to our environment and are drought-resistant, wind-tolerant and non-invasive.

"(To collect the berries), place drop cloths under the trees to catch the falling fruit or, if you can reach the branch, put a bag under and gently shake the berries off."

Although Hurricane Fabian greatly exacerbated the problem, the decline in cedar trees was evident long before the storm's arrival, he added.

"Traditionally, bluebirds ate cedar berries and passed seed through their digestive systems, thus scattering the seeds and helping natural germination. The diminished bluebird population has prevented this from continuing.

"Perhaps the easiest way we can all get involved in growing Bermuda cedars is from seed. Most trees produce seed contained in bluish-purple berries about the size of a small berry. Try, if possible, to select your seed from green, healthy looking cedars as these normally produce a stronger young tree."

Drop-off locations are at the Government Plant Nursery in Spanish Point, the Parks Office at the Botanical Gardens, the Bermuda National Trust headquarters in Paget, the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo and the Visitors' Service Bureaus in Hamilton, Dockyard and St. George's.

Those delivering seeds to locations should include their name and telephone number on the brown paper bag in order to be included in a draw for a tree.

To learn more about the island's native plants, attend the Eden Project on October 18 at CedarBridge Academy or contact the Government Plant Nursery at 292-2503.