A unique native tree nursery has been opened by a mental health charity in Cumbria.
Growing Well, which operates a base at the northbound Tebay Services on the M6, has expanded its facilities to include the nursery, which it says is the first of its kind in England.
The initiative is designed to address a significant undersupply of native tree species for conservation and rewilding projects across Cumbria and to tackle NHS waiting lists for mental health support.
Around 20,000 young trees, saplings and whips are being grown in polytunnels at Tebay including silver and downy birch, alder, rowan, hazel and sessile oak.
The charity is currently helping 200 people at the site this year, but has capacity to support 300.
From seed collection through to final planting, charity participants will be involved in every step – developing practical skills, supporting their recovery, and contributing directly to environmental regeneration.
The cost of setting up the tree nursery has been met by funding from Archipelago Choice, Forestry England, Liontrust Foundation, National Lottery Community and National Lottery Heritage Funds, NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board, Scottish Power Foundation and Westmorland Ltd.
It means all proceeds from future tree sales will be reinvested into Growing Well’s social enterprise to support the long-term sustainability of its mental health services.
The nursery’s first customer is Cumbria Wildlife Trust, which needs whips to support the creation of an Atlantic rainforest at nearby Skiddaw Forest.
Paul Cambre, head of horticulture at Growing Well, said: “We are excited to grow and commercially supply critically needed Cumbrian provenance trees, especially the rarer montane species, suitable for establishing upland native woodland.
“This project allows our beneficiaries to expand their horticultural knowledge whilst improving their mental health and leaving a lasting impact in their communities.”
Sarah Dunning, chair of Westmorland Ltd, which operates Tebay Services, said: “We are delighted to see our partnership with Growing Well at Tebay continue to thrive.
“The launch of the tree nursery is a natural next step – delivering meaningful mental health support while creating environmental, economic, and social value for Cumbria.”
Growing Well also has sites at Kendal in South Cumbria and Egremont in West Cumbria. It works with up to 900 individuals each year through a structured programme of therapeutic horticulture, skills development and community engagement, led by trained staff and volunteers.
