A quietly growing movement has been transforming landscapes and communities across Britain.
The UK’s Community Tree Nurseries (CTNs) are producing around 250,000 mostly native trees each year and could be scaled up with additional funding and support, according to the first baseline study of active CTNs. Many are broadleaf species from seed collected within 20 miles of their nursery site.
Largely run by volunteers, CTNs bring people together to grow, plant, and care for trees, while also nurturing stronger relationships with nature and building community spirit.
Research released as part of the Trees Outside Woodland project, a partnership led by The Tree Council, Defra, and Natural England, maps a diverse network of approximately 80 CTNs across the UK and highlights the social and ecological impact of these often-overlooked initiatives. CTNs are typically small in scale and relatively new with most established for less than five years. The research, conducted in collaboration with Forest Research, suggests that volunteers act as a network of local seed collectors growing 71 different tree species, including some rarer and vulnerable species such as Black Poplar and Wych Elm.
Watch our film about community tree nurseries
Jackie Shallcross who led on the Trees Outside Woodland project at The Tree Council said: “The benefits of community tree nurseries can’t be overstated. There are so many aspects which are beneficial, both for the environment and for the people involved.
“They aren’t just boosting tree planting efforts in their area, they’re also helping people to connect to nature while developing skills”.
“Importantly, CTNs are not just contributing to national tree-planting goals, they are also building social capital. By offering inclusive spaces for community participation, they provide people with a tangible way to respond to the climate and nature crises.”
Peer-to-peer collaboration has proven particularly powerful in helping CTNs develop their skills, knowledge, and confidence. Building a network of CTNs has helped share best practices, from seed collection to nursery management to community engagement. While challenges remain – particularly around biosecurity and nursery longevity – the research suggests that targeted support, including tailored tools and training, can go a long way to help.
Ben Norwood, Project Officer at Cornwall Council says “Across Cornwall there was a real desire to grow local trees from local seed – they are filling a niche. And a lot of CTNs help vulnerable people – people with addiction issues, additional needs or who just need a social touchstone, it’s wonderful to see how they can help”.
While many rely on modest grants, their impact is outsized as they provide free or low-cost, locally sourced trees for local planting projects. The research found that a relatively small investment in grants or training can unlock substantial benefits. Jen Aves created the Shelfanger Community Tree Nursery, Norfolk, with two other local tree enthusiasts in 2021 to increase tree cover in their area by providing free, locally grown trees. Now it is run by its three founders and three more volunteers and grows 1,500 trees a year.
The trees are sold or given away to local farms, homes and community groups, with a growing number of individuals buying them for their homes/gardens.
Jen said: “It started as a way for us to give back and have a connection with nature. We started off by just nurturing a few acorns not expecting any to grow. They all did, and we were hooked. “With the support of some training, we are learning how to grow elm and ash that we hope may be resistant to disease, as we want to help reestablish these species in the area. We’re also producing a range of native broadleaf trees from hornbeam to hazel.”
“We want to work with the community to pass on our knowledge so that more people can create micro nurseries in their homes and gardens.”
The Community Tree Nursery Collaborative, a peer-led support initiative, is helping to coordinate this energetic and hopeful sector, providing resources and amplifying the stories and successes of these rooted, resilient groups.
Forest Research Lead Researcher Dr Sarah Pohlschneider said:
“Community Tree Nurseries have the potential to play an important role in providing biosecure, locally sourced and diverse planting stock that can increase treescape resilience. “The Community Tree Nurseries sector remains stable, but challenges persist – it’s important that there is continued support for Community Tree Nurseries, particularly in areas of financial stability, volunteer engagement, and biosecurity practices.”
This autumn The Tree Council, supported by leading savings and investment company M&G plc, will launch a new national programme “Growing Together” which aims to support the sector and double the number of tree nurseries in communities and schools across the UK. With this vital and timely funding, the community tree nursery model has the potential to expand, deepen its impact, and help shape a greener, more connected and resilient future across the regions.
Jane Rawnsley, Group Head of Corporate Responsibility at M&G plc said: “We’re delighted that through our long-term partnership with The Tree Council we can continue the legacy and impact of this publicly funded research. We want to empower communities to grow and plant their own tree nurseries locally, to regenerate where they live and help people and nature to thrive.”
There is a wealth of resources online – as well as support from the Community Tree Nursery Collaborative – for anyone inspired to start their own CTN. The Tree Grower’s Guide is a free-to-download guide to growing trees from seed and contains helpful information and case studies on existing CTNs, as well as vital biosecurity best practices.
Source Becca Thomas – Communications Manager, The Tree Council
Image credits: The Tree Council
