Sherwood Community Tree Nursery grows with District Council support

A unique community tree nursery in Sherwood Forest is thriving thanks to a grant from Newark and Sherwood District Council.

The nursery, called the Sherwood Seedbank, is based at the Feel Good Gardens in King’s Clipstone and is run by The Sherwood Forest Trust, a local charity dedicated to conserving and restoring the ancient forest.

The project aims to collect and grow native tree and plant seeds from Sherwood Forest and surrounding areas, and to involve local people and groups in planting and caring for them through volunteering sessions and community action days. The trees are then used to enhance green spaces across the district and beyond.

The District Council awarded £93,000 to the Sherwood Forest Trust from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which supports projects that boost economic growth and community and social action initiatives. The funding has enabled the trust to employ dedicated Community Tree Nursery Officers and buy essential nursery and planting equipment for the delivery of the project.

Since its formal opening in October 2023, the Sherwood Seed Bank has attracted over 680 volunteers, including local schools and community groups, who have collected over 40,000 seeds and planted over 2,000 trees. Another 4,300 trees are maturing on site, ready for planting in the near future.

Dr Patrick Candler, Chief Executive Officer of the Sherwood Forest Trust, said:  "We are delighted with the progress we have made at the Sherwood Seed Bank, thanks to the generous support from the District Council and the enthusiasm of our volunteers. This project is not only helping to preserve and propagate the biodiversity of Sherwood Forest, but also to engage and educate people about the importance of trees and plants for our environment and well-being.

“We welcome anyone who wants to get involved in this exciting initiative and join us in creating a greener future for our district."

Councillor Matthew Spoors, Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Economic Development at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: "The Sherwood Seed Bank is a fantastic example of how we can work together with local partners and communities to make a positive difference for our natural heritage and climate. As a District Council, we are committed to supporting projects that enhance our environment and promote sustainability, as part of our Green Agenda. We are proud to support the Sherwood Forest Trust and their valuable work at the Sherwood Seed Bank, which is contributing to our goal of planting 100,000 trees across the district by 2027."

Community groups and local people who want to get involved in the Sherwood Seed Bank can go to https://sherwoodforest.org.uk/get-in-touch/ or visiting the Sherwood Seedbank Facebook page for updates on upcoming community and volunteering events.