Tay and Earn Trust - Native Tree growing project

Aim: We are raising funds to start a native tree nursery to boost biodiversity, support green jobs, and empower our local community.

The Tay and Earn Trust is a Scottish charity established in 2013 with a mission rooted in environmental stewardship, heritage education, and sustainable community development. Governed by a dedicated board of trustees, we uphold transparency, sound governance, and strategic vision, with our accounts independently audited and submitted annually to the Scottish Charity Regulator.

Our charitable objectives are fivefold:

• To conserve and regenerate the natural environment of the Tay and Earn river systems.

• To educate the public on the region's rich heritage, culture, and sustainable land use.

• To strengthen communities by preserving traditional skills and sustainable living.

• To advance projects related to renewable energy and sustainability.

• To improve health and wellbeing through access to recreational and nature-based activities.

Our Vision

In the face of the climate emergency, our vision is simple yet powerful:
To grow trees, grow skills, grow communities.

We believe that small, grassroots projects are critical in delivering big environmental impact. That’s why our next step is to launch a Community-led Micro Tree Nursery that supports UK-wide woodland creation targets while fostering local resilience and education.

This initiative reflects our broader environmental strategy and complements our ongoing work in heritage, community development, and sustainability.

The Opportunity: Why Now?

The UK government’s net-zero targets require nearly a million hectares of new woodland by 2050. But challenges threaten this goal:

• Supply chain issues for native broadleaf trees post-Brexit.

• Pressure on agricultural land.

• Shift away from monoculture to native species.

• Limited focus on tree aftercare and seed provenance.

In response, a new movement of micro nursery growers has emerged—local, passionate individuals cultivating native trees from seed. The Tay and Earn Trust is uniquely positioned to join this network and amplify its impact.

The Project: Tay and Earn Micro Tree Nursery

What we’re proposing:
A low-cost, high-impact native tree nursery in the Tay and Earn region, powered by local volunteers, sustainable practices, and strategic partnerships.

Key Features:

• Locally-sourced seed collection (e.g., from the biodiverse Willowgate site and the surrounding areas within the trust catchment).

• Ethical propagation of native species with proper genetic diversity.

• Educational workshops on seed collection, propagation, and aftercare.

• Community-led management and volunteer engagement.

• Opportunities for future employment, apprenticeships, and partnerships.

Goals:

• Support rewilding and agroforestry with native, disease-resilient stock.

• Build local capacity and promote biodiversity.

• Foster climate literacy and conservation engagement.

• Position the Trust as a leader in sustainable land use and tree growing.

Use of Funds

With your support, we will:

ActivityUse of Funds

Site SetupSecure and prepare a suitable plot with raised beds, polytunnels, fencing, water supply, and tool storage.Seed Collection & PropagationPurchase propagation trays, compost, growing media, and storage.Training & EducationHost workshops, create educational materials, and train volunteers.StaffingProvide part-time support or consultancy from experienced horticulturists to guide the setup and first growing season.  Provide somebody to lead the operation and supervise volunteer groups.Monitoring & OutreachTrack growth and germination, produce PR/media updates, and build a visual story of impact.

We estimate a modest start-up cost but with exponential returns—ecological, educational, and reputational.

Our Impact

• Environmental: Native trees grown from local seeds reduce the risk of disease, sequester carbon, and improve biodiversity.

• Social: The project encourages volunteering, improves mental wellbeing, and engages youth and older adults alike.

• Economic: Lays the groundwork for green job creation and future partnership funding.

• Strategic: Enhances the Trust’s reputation, widens its reach, and creates a blueprint for similar projects in other regions.

Looking Ahead

This nursery is the first phase in a broader “pre-master plan” that aligns with the Trust’s long-term environmental strategy. The partnerships already forming—from Darroch Nurseries to the Woodland Trust—show the appetite for this work.

We are excited to take this step with the support of our community, our Board, and key funders and partners. If granted approval and backing, we are confident this project can launch swiftly and become a flagship initiative of the Tay and Earn Trust.

Let’s Grow Together

We would welcome the opportunity to present our plan in more detail and explore ways to bring this project to life—with your support.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 23rd September 2025 at 4:22pm