Seeds and Nurseries

The Forest of Bradford aims to grow its own planting stock from locally collected seed which is not easy to do for all species, but it is possible to do by adopting different techniques.

The benefit of growing our own plants from seed is that we can collect from local native trees and shrubs found in parks and woodland and even people’s gardens, which if growing in a similar soil and aspect to the “climax” planting sites should be well adapted to local conditions. Mature trees or those from old woods or hedgerows may be of a local genetic strain which it is worth maintaining and building upon.

Growing trees from seed is a popular project for schools and other community groups, with links to the national curriculum, as well as with wider environmental awareness and practical skills. The Forest of Bradford is utilising the grounds of schools and allotment gardens with suitable sites for growing and planting. Small nurseries containing 200-500 young trees have been established through partnership work throughout the district: at Woodville Work Activity Centre in Keighley, Bullroyd Allotment Group, Braithwaite Special School, Carlton Bolling College and many local members of the public. Each nursery will eventually supply trees and shrubs for planting sites in the local community.

Seeds are gathered, mostly in the month of October, when most of our Native Broadleaves are in leaf and sown into plant pots and containers donated by supporters of the project. Forest of Bradford volunteers have also over the years saved fruit juice and milk cartons (Tetra packs) which are recycled and used as plant pots.

For most of the species we grow, the young trees can be planted out in their final sites within a period of about 2-3 years.

If you would like to get involved, please contact us.