Page under development April 2026

(This webpage was last updated on 22nd April 2026.)

Community Tree Nursery

Chichester Tree Wardens have aspired to create a Community Tree Nursery since at least 2019! But it's only in 2026 we can finally start to make it happen, thanks to being granted a plot on the allotments created as part of Phase 1 development of Whitehouse Farm.   

1. To conserve local genetic tree diversity by propagating local native stock for return to the local area (the trees from our original woodland, hedgerow, scrub and farmed landscapes).
2. To propagate trees from locally growing introduced garden/landscape stock that would suit small gardens in new developments like Minerva Heights in order to encourage “right tree for right space with right care” in new gardens that have no trees.
3. To propagate a small number of trees of distinctive local provenance suitable to use in a public amenity setting.
4. To encourage local people to notice the trees around us more – how, where and why they grow; how big they get; and their characteristics, including how they flower and seed.
5. To encourage local people to consider the role of trees in their own/shared garden spaces and what trees they might like to plant to meet their garden/living needs.
6. To engage our local community in seed collection, propagating and care for young trees and new social connections through the love of trees, biodiversity, the outdoors and community.
7. To spread awareness of biosecurity.

May 2021:

We emailed the relevant planning officer at Chichester District Council Planning, and developers Miller Homes and Vistry, to request that consideration be given to allocating a proposed new allotment plot for a Community Tree Nursery:
"A tree nursery needs a water supply, hence an allotment setting makes sense, particularly if there are areas less suited to lettable allotment plots".
We explained:
"The advantages of growing local tree stock for local use include:

• sustaining the local genetic variety of the trees already adapted (and adapting) to live here;
• using local soils with local, appropriate mycorrhizal content to give each tree the best start in life;
• reducing biosecurity risk from moving trees (and soils) around the country (or from further afield);
• minimising “tree miles”; and
• supporting local (and national) objectives to increase tree cover/mitigate for climate change/risk.

Added to these are the social, wellbeing and educational aspects of volunteers working together for a constructive purpose in our communities (I’d hope some new residents of Whitehouse Farm would like to be involved)."

We were delighted that the developers agreed to include a plot for this use in their scheme, and updated their plans. (Being unfamiliar with Community Tree Nurseries, they also referenced possible use as a Community Orchard.)

Planning permission was granted on 18th June 2021, reference 20/03167/REM.

May 2022:

To see how an established CTN operates, 2 Chichester Tree Wardens joined a visit to Special Branch Tree Nursery at Stanmer, just to the north-east of Brighton. We were part of a larger group with the day being arranged by the Community Tree Nursery Collaborative.

Photos above (from left):

• Tree seeds are stored in darkness in slightly damp soil to germinate. Labelled jute bags are used for seeds of the same type and source. Containers are covered to exclude wildlife which would eat the seed and the soil watered once a week.
• Once germinated, seeds are planted into deep containers until ready to be transplanted into
• nursery beds. (The baby trees will need shade netting to protect from drying out by sun and wind.)
• After a year, the trees are lifted and replanted, disturbing their roots so that they will be easier to transplant when ready to distribute for planting out.

The Tree Council launched its Growing Together programme early in 2026. "The programme  sets out to double the number of tree nurseries in communities and schools across the UK over the next three years to help shape a greener, more connected and resilient future." Its online Resources include the Tree Grower's Guide - a comprehensive manual to getting started.

Details to be added ...

Details to be added ...

Details to be added ...

• Miller Homes and Vistry