The Growing Diversity Project
A joint partnership between Fellowship Of The Trees and The Woodland Trust, funded by The Forestry Commission’s Tree Production Innovation Fund, supporting Community Tree Nurseries in England.
About
This new exciting partnership initiative between Fellowship of the Trees and the Woodland Trust is funded by the Tree Production Innovation Fund from the Forestry Commission.
The project will support Community Tree Nurseries in England and will
run until March 2025. It is really important that those involved in CTNs in England contribute to the development of the project with ideas and feedback.
We encourage you to contact us by email HEREÂ or through our Social Media platforms. We will have a mailing list too, so if you wish to be added to this, please click here.
The main active aims of the project are as follows:
- Strengthen CTNs: through providing focused access to the tools and knowledge they need to effectively meet the demands outlined in the England Trees Action Plan – to find out more click HERE.
- Prioritising seed sourcing: through sourcing bio-secure seeds and trees from specific native seed zones and also to ensure that the current market shortcomings are addressed.
- Empowering and enabling CTNs to grow sustainably: We aim to work together with CTNs to enhance capabilities in administration, nursery skills, marketing and more so that CTNs are meeting forestry sector needs.
- Address gaps in seed collection: To identify and act on regions where there’s very little seed collection, especially for those hard-to-source native species.
- Focused strategies: To help develop strategies to address barriers in tree planting, offering training and resources on topics like seed collection, propagation, and biosecurity.
- Innovation and collaboration: Encouraging the adoption of new methods, sharing of expertise and accessing specialised advice.
- Promotion of Native species: This is the prioritisation of hard-to-source native broadleaf species for a variety of tree planting projects.
News & Updates
New Seed Collection Guide
This guide is now ready to access online! We are pleased to share that this beautiful guide which is the final output for the project can be downloaded as a PDF on this page. Please see the Resources section below.
Substack for the project
We now have a Substack for the project’s in-person events that have been taking place this year. There will be a post for each event with useful resources and links, so do check it out and subscribe. Let us know what you think too by adding a comment! You can find the Substack account by clicking the button below.
Resources
‘A Guide to Collecting Seed from Native Trees and Shrubs in the UK’ – This handbook is about collecting native tree and shrub seed in the UK for sowing and growing in tree nurseries or for direct seeding projects. Collecting tree seeds is an incredibly rewarding experience and if done with
others, can also be a sociable and fun activity. Contributing to the creation of thriving new woodland ecosystems is a powerful feeling indeed. This guide will help you to: identify ripe, healthy and ready to harvest seed in the field, collect seed from over 30 species sustainably and effectively
and also how to store and start to process seed after collection. You can download the guide HERE.
‘Feasibility Study – Routes to Market for Community Tree Nurseries’ (prepared by AJS Flood Risk Consulting on behalf of Woodland Trust and Fellowship of the Trees, as part of the Growing Diversity project). ‘This study explores market opportunities for community tree nurseries (CTNs) to expand tree and tree seed sales. Conducted as part of the Growing Diversity project, the study examines barriers to CTNs selling trees and assesses potential sales mechanisms. The aim is to support CTNs in accessing markets through recommendations of the best way forward for tree buyers, CTNs and government’.  You can access and download the study in PDF format HERE.
The study is also available on Powerpoint slides to view, you can access the slides HERE.
Growing Diversity Evaluation Report – (produced by AJS Flood Risk Consulting on behalf of the Woodland Trust and Fellowship of the Trees). This is the final conclusive report for the whole project detailing the outcomes/results together with recommendations for future projects/support for Community Tree Nurseries. It is a very informative and useful document in it’s own right and demonstrates the value of the project in it’s production of high quality training events (webinars and in person), short films and the seed collection handbook. A number of CTNs provided input into the Evaluation process, for which we are very grateful, as their valuable insights are key to a clearer understanding of the priorities and overall needs of CTNs for the future.  You can access and download the report in PDF format HERE.
A summary of the report is also available as slides in PDF format, you can access this document HERE.
‘Good Practice Resources For Community Tree Nurseries’: You can access a comprehensive spreadsheet that includes detailed descriptions of and links to a range of both digital and printed resources relevant to CTNs. The spreadsheet is available by following the link HERE.
‘Growing Native Trees from Seed’ powerpoint presentation that was shared by guest speaker Andy Gordon during the webinar of the same name on the 12th March. You can access the slides via this link HERE.
‘Introduction to growing trees in CTNs part one’ powerpoint presentation that was shared by Adam Owen during his webinar on the 18th June. For more details of the content of the webinar, you can see the recorded webinar in the recordings section further down on this page. You can access the slides HERE. Â
‘Introduction to growing trees in CTNs part two’ powerpoint presentation that was shared by Adam Owen during his second webinar on the 9th July. You can view the recording further down on this page. You can access the slides HERE.
The Growing Diversity project: Short Films
The following four films have been produced as part of the project and provide useful tips, guidance and resources for supporting CTNs on a range of topics.
You can find detailed blog posts supporting each of the films on the Growing Diversity Substack page here. In this section is a short summary of each film.  You can also view the films on the Fellowship of the Trees’ YouTube channel here.
1. Introduction to Biosecurity for Community Tree Nurseries with Moor Trees, Devon
Biosecurity is a set of precautions that aim to prevent the introduction and spread of harmful organisms. No matter the current size or scale of CTNs, it is essential that all CTNs follow protective measures to limit any spread of pathogens, pests and diseases to wider areas in the tree supply chain. This friendly short film (see below), highlights some very useful and important guidance and insights for effective Biosecurity measures in a Community Tree Nursery setting. It was filmed during a Growing Diversity workshop at Moor Trees’ CTN at Dartington in February 2024.
Moor Trees is a Devon based charity dedicated to restoring native woodland on Dartmoor with the aim of improving the environment and connecting people with their forest heritage. Supported by an active group of volunteers the charity collects local provenance seeds to grow in its community tree nurseries, assists with the designing, planning and creation of high-quality woodlands and advocates for temperate rainforests regeneration. The organisation manages two CTNs as part of its overall work. Click here for the Substack blog. The film was produced by Superlative Films.
2. Growing Diversity Species Spotlight – Seed Collection for Community Tree Nurseries. With Craig Shearer from Elsoms Trees.
In this short film, Craig Shearer from Elsoms Trees shares useful tips about preparing and carrying out seed collection from tree species that are currently ‘under collected’ from. These are: Yew, Guelder Rose, Rowan and Small-leaved Lime (although Craig was unable to find viable seed from the latter).  It is important to obtain landowner permission before undertaking any seed collection. Craig also refers to the Forest Reproductive Materials regulations (or FRM) connected to collecting and growing seeds from local provenance trees. This applies to those trees that are grown to be sold. Click here for the Substack blog where you can find more details of FRM and other useful resources connected to seed collection. This film was produced by Stroma Films. Â
3. Growing Diversity Species Spotlight and Seed Processing for Community Tree Nurseries. With Craig Shearer from Elsoms Trees.
In this follow up to the Seed Collection film, Craig Shearer clearly shares how to process certain tree seeds: Rowan, Guelder rose and Yew.  He provides detailed practical guidance as to how to stratify the seeds and ensure they have the best chance to grow into healthy saplings. There are further tips and information about seed processing on the Substack blog here. This film was produced by Stroma Films.
4. Introduction to volunteer roles and seed collection events for Community Tree Nurseries. With Forus Tree in Yorkshire.
This wonderful short film was created at a seed collection event in October 2024 that was supported by the Growing Diversity Project. The event was at Centre Vale Park in Todmorden, West Yorkshire with Forus Tree CTN. In it there is an overview of the benefits of involving people from the community in volunteering to collect tree seeds and also the importance of collecting local provenance seeds. Support was gained from the helpful Friends of Centre Vale Park with regards to planning the event. There are useful tips on how to prepare for a community seed collection event and more in the blog post on our Substack here. This film was produced by Superlative Films.
The Growing Diversity Project Webinar series. 8 – ‘Growing together – learning from other CTNs’. With Lisa Pugh, Marc Biddle and Jeannie Buckingham.
In this final Growing Diversity webinar we held in January 2025, our guest speakers share about their CTNs and how they incorporate learning opportunities for others within their CTNs. They illustrate through presentations and insights how they have grown and how important it is to learn with each other in terms of enabling CTNs to be as successful as possible.
With Lisa Pugh and Marc Biddle from the beautiful Deer Wood Trust in Devon and Jeannie Buckingham from Two Fields Community Farm in Suffolk.
Both these CTNs hosted successful workshops in September for the Growing Diversity project. You can read more about these events through the blog posts on the project’s Substack.
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The Growing Diversity Project Webinar series. 7 – ‘Introduction to growing trees in CTNs’ (part two). With Adam Owen.
In part two of this Introduction to growing webinar series, Adam Owen, consultant and previous Director for Moor Trees Devon provides an in depth presentation of key factors to consider when growing trees from seeds in a CTN. The structure of the webinar is as follows:
- Plant Health
- A brief overview of key pests and diseases and tips to help prevent spread
- A brief overview of FRM – Forestry Reproductive Materials guidelines and processes
- Irrigation
- Handling of saplingsÂ
- Moving and planting young trees
- Q and A.
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The Growing Diversity Project Webinar series. 6 – Introduction to growing trees in CTNs, with particular reference to some ‘hard to source and grow species’ (part one). With Adam Owen.
In this extended length webinar, Adam Owen, consultant and previous Director for Moor Trees Devon provides an in depth presentation of key factors to consider when growing trees from seeds in a CTN. The structure of the webinar is as follows:
- Deciding what to grow and why – purpose, how many trees should we grow, where to start
- Choosing how to grow – soil, compost, pots including ground preparation, weed control,
- Propagation – seed collection, seed preparation, stratification, germination, pricking out and potting on, feeding.
- Q and A.
For example: He focuses in particular on some of the key ‘hard to source and grow species’ such as: Guelder Rose, Small Leaved Lime, Holly and Spindle.   Â
The Growing Diversity Project Webinar series. 5 – Growing Volunteers – tips and good practice for CTNs
Richard Higgs, Director and Emma Jones Volunteer and Engagement Officer from More Trees BANES in Bath share a range of tips and insights around supporting and developing a diverse volunteer base. These include: effective ways to motivate, communicate and share information with volunteers. Also some examples of how More Trees BANES engage with growing some of the ‘hard to source and grow’ Native tree species that this project is focused on.  Â
The Growing Diversity Project Webinar series. 3 – Biosecurity Certification and Assurance Schemes for CTNs
Amanda Calvert, Auditor for Grown in Britain, Plant Healthy and UK and Ireland Sourced and Grown Schemes shares on the key reasons why being involved in such schemes can both support and benefit a CTN. Jessica Stanton and Adam Rayner from Bolghen CTN in Cornwall share on their experiences of being involved in the first/pilot CTN group for Plant Healthy. Â
The Growing Diversity Project Webinar series. 2 – Healthy Community Trees
Rebecca Gosling, Lead Policy Advocate for Tree Health and Invasive Species at the Woodland Trust provides detailed guidance on the following:
General signs and symptoms of ill health in trees (that can be applied to any species)
- Specific pests and pathogens of some ‘hard to source and grow species’
- Reporting findings
- Signposting further resources.
We hope the range of perspectives and issues covered help you in your CTN’s development.
The Growing Diversity Project Webinar series. 1 – The Business of Community Trees
In this first webinar, we have three guest speakers sharing tips and advice on the financial and administrative considerations involved in running a Community Tree Nursery. Our speakers were: Helen Aldis, Chief Executive from Moor Trees in Devon, Dave Lewis, Nursery Officer also from Moor Trees and Rodney Shearer, Managing Director from Elsoms Trees Ltd. We hope the range of perspectives and issues covered help you in your CTN’s development.
The Growing Diversity Project Introduction to the Joint Initiative
In this introductory episode, we have Hilary Campbell Project Co-ordinator and Matthieu Baudry head of tree supply from the Woodland Trust sharing details about this exciting new project. This includes a Q&A section after Matthieu’s presentation. The event is aimed at those who are involved in a CTN (community tree nursery) in England. Please share with others this is relevant to.
Join us to grow and restore forests and communities for future generations.
Please contact us regarding The Growing Diversity Project via the form below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.