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Broadford Community Tree Nursery

Proposal code: THC-2026-06-157

Working with volunteers to raise local provenance trees for Community Woodland regeneration and other environmental projects. Inspiring and involving all ages through the ‘seed to forest’ journey.

What we want to do

The proposal builds on the success of our pilot Community Tree Nursery, currently sited in our Growers Hub community allotments site in Broadford. The aim is twofold: To raise locally sourced native trees that will support the regeneration of Broadford Community Woodland and other projects; and to develop environmental awareness and skills within the community that will inspire people to cherish and safeguard our woodlands for the future. Growing local provenance trees, adapted to south Skye’s soil and conditions, is extremely important in improving tree survival rates and preserving the local distinct genetic makeup.  

The pilot project, funded by Crown Estate Scotland and launched in 2024, has enabled us to build up a network of enthusiastic volunteers, establish a methodology and demonstrate potential. We now need to scale up in order to make a meaningful impact and to sustain the operation into the future.

And we have an opportunity: In March 2026 when purchasing Broadford North Wood (to extend our community woodland) BSCC also purchased an adjacent 0.15ha development plot - the ideal site for the tree nursery.  We want to:

• Build the physical infrastructure: groundworks; biosecure storage; propagation and growing facilities - polytunnel, shade tunnel, hardening off area, watering system, volunteer shelter.
• Engage volunteers and community: Building on current programme and collaborating with other organisations.
• Collect seeds in the field, with volunteers: Focusing exclusively on local provenance zones (104 and 105); to include: Hazel, Birch, Rowan,  Elder, Oak, Holly, Hawthorn and Alder.
• Nurture seedlings and young trees, with volunteers: Pricking out, sowing, watering, nourishing trees. Volunteer opportunities will be social, accessible and inclusive to attract a broad range of participants.
• Expand educational outreach: Develop learning offer for schools, further education college, crofters, and landowners. Share learning with other community organisations. Explore opportunities for collaboration with other community nurseries across Scotland.
• Establish a self-sustaining business model beyond the funding period, e.g. supplying local provenance trees to local crofters and residents and linking closely with Community Woodland forward plan.

Budget estimate is for a 3 year project including infrastructure set-up and 0.5 FTE Project Officer.

Why this is important for our community

The 2024 Broadford Biodiversity Audit (www.broadfordandstrath.org/project/biodiversity) recognises the scarcity of native woodland in our area. It demonstrates the strong local appreciation of the importance of our natural environment, and evidences people’s desire to help protect it.  Likewise the Broadford & Strath Local Place Plan (LPP) identifies the natural environment as our area’s over-arching asset. Our local community fervently wants to protect our landscapes and wildlife, and to enhance biodiversity (LPP, pp17-20). The restructuring of Broadford Community Woodlands to support biodiversity is a community proposal in the LPP (map 2), as is encouraging natural regeneration of native woodlands (map 7). The proposal also aligns with priorities in Skye & Raasay Futures such as Climate Action and Diverse & Green Economy.

We know from the pilot project that there is huge enthusiasm for this activity. We have over 80 volunteers on our mailing list, and our weekly tree nursery volunteering sessions have been well-attended. Volunteers report increased confidence, new friendships, and a deeper appreciation for local biodiversity. Sample feedback: “We learnt a lot and met wonderful people with shared interests.” “Hugely informative and hands-on. I learnt how to take cuttings and propagate trees, which I’ve already tried at home.” “Got me enthused about trees and native species.” There has been enthusiastic attendance to events such as our Biodiversity Day and Community Woodland Day in 2025, which we seek to build on.  The project is closely linked to our Community Woodland regeneration project which also has strong support – see Be Connected project code THC-2026-02-38.

Outcomes

The Tree Nursery will contribute directly to:

• re-establishment of native woodland
• habitat restoration
• carbon sequestration.

Volunteering and learning will:

• provide accessible and multi-generational opportunities to learn and socialise
• raise awareness of the importance of native woodlands
• inspire people through involvement in the ‘seed to forest’ journey
• encourage a sense of ownership.

Key milestones

Progress to date:

• June 2024: Pilot tree nursery started with 14 months funding from Crown Estate Scotland Environmental Fund; Part-time Project Officer recruited.
• August 2025: Funding from Highlands & Islands Environment Fund matched by BSCC own charitable funds supports continuation of pilot until Aug 2027.
• March 2026: Purchase of 0.15ha development site at top of Pairc Nan Craobh next to Community Woodland.

Proposed next steps:

• Dec. 2026: First pledges of funding confirmed (to lever in match funding)
• April 2027: Full funding confirmed for 3 year project. Recruitment, planning.
• Summer 2027: Start of groundworks and infrastructure.
• Winter 2027/28: Transfer to new site. Scale up of harvesting /propagation / growing operations.
• Jan 2030: Community Woodland ready for replanting (following required post-harvest fallow period).
• June 2030: Tree nursery transitions to be part of overall Community Woodland management plan.

• £ Capital
• Environmental Initiatives
• Nature Restoration
• £ Revenue

• Multi-area