Community tree nursery officially opened by the Sherwood Forest Trust and Newark and Sherwood District Council
A one-of-a-kind community tree nursery has been formally opened, ready to grow native plants and trees.
The nursery, at FeelGood Gardens, near Sherwood Pines was opened by the Sherwood Forest Trust and Newark and Sherwood District Council earlier this month.
It enables tree and plant seeds collected by the community and volunteers to be grown on to healthy young trees and native plants ready for planting, to protect Sherwood Forest for future generations.
The project aims to plant over 8,000 trees by March 2025.
Emma Oldham, portfolio holder for biodiversity and environmental services, said: “It was wonderful to attend the opening event and to help formally open the Community Tree Nursery — thank you to the Sherwood Forest Trust for inviting me.
“I am thrilled that through initiatives such as the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Newark and Sherwood District Council are able to support such important projects, such as this. One of our priorities, both as a district council and through UKSPF, is our commitment to enhancing our green spaces. It is vital that we protect the remarkable habitat at Sherwood Forest for generations to come.”
The nursery will also provide a hub for the community through its volunteering and community engagement programme, facilitating opportunities to bring people together, engage in social action, learn new skills and get active and hands-on with nature.
A number of community groups, schools and residents from across the district have already visited and supported the nursery through dedicated volunteer efforts.
Dr Patrick Candler, chief executive of Sherwood Forest Trust, said: “After more than three years in the planning and preparation, it is fantastic that we have now got the sherwood seedbank open for business. In the years to come, we will be able to collect all types of Sherwood tree seeds, grow them on and then plant them out to extend Sherwood Forest.
“It’s a true circle of life. We are really grateful to all our funders, especially Newark and Sherwood and we really want local people to come and support the work that we do.”
Newark and Sherwood District Council awarded the Sherwood Forest Trust grant funding of £93,000 as part of its UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocation, and the two-year funding will provide dedicated resources to develop the programme of works at the community tree nursery and deliver community engagement events and opportunities.
In addition, capital funding to support the development of the tree nursery was received from the David Cock Foundation, Aviva Insurance, Mansfield Building Society, Natural England and the Forestry Commission.
To get involved contact info@sherwoodforesttrust.org.uk for volunteer opportunities and to visit the tree nursery.
