I'm no expert - but I've had good success with fresh seed too.
I've also had some from Chiltern. I think the recipe is to
sow them in a 10cm pot, water them, then put it in a plastic bag
and hide it somewhere. At about November or so bring it out into
the open. When nothing has happened by Feb or March, put it back
in the bag and wait until next November for a second run. I had some
that did nothing first year but about 60% germination on the second.

John McMillan