Newton Nursery is stepping into its future as Forestry and Land Scotland’s (FLS) cutting-edge centre for tree and seed production and it’s already making a big impact.
Since taking over the newly redeveloped site in February, the team has sown nearly 12 million seedlings inside a vast 12,000-square-metre glasshouse, built to bring new levels of efficiency and innovation to Scotland’s forestry efforts.
Eight million of those seeds were planted using the clever Tape4trees system a mechanised method that allows for up to one million trees to be planted in a single day.
A further four million seeds were sown into mini plugs by hand, and those that germinate will be moved by robot into larger trays, giving them the space they need to grow strong and healthy while ensuring no space is wasted on ungerminated seeds.
The nursery’s design places a sharp focus on resilience and sustainability.
Trees begin life in a highly controlled indoor setting before being gradually hardened off outdoors, where they’re watered using a smart irrigation system fed by both boreholes and rainwater-harvesting ponds easing pressure on mains water supplies.
Energy use is kept low thanks to efficient building designs, Scottish-grown timber, and solar panels supplying some of the site’s electricity.
Every aspect of the facility has been designed to support long-term environmental responsibility.
“We’re already seeing the benefits of modernisation,” said Bryony Hewetson Ward, FLS’ Head of Plant and Seed Supply.
“Growing inside gives us better control, which helps reduce the risks from weather, pests and weeds.
“And by embracing smart tech, we’re planting more trees with less waste.”
Construction partners Morgan Sindall, Oberlanders Architects, AtkinsRealis and Currie & Brown worked with the FLS nursery team to deliver both the glasshouse and surrounding landscaping.
With the new facility fully operational, Newton Nursery is expected to produce up to 25 million trees each year, a leap from the previous capacity of seven million.
That growth supports Scotland’s climate ambitions, reducing transport emissions and boosting the country’s ability to absorb carbon.
As the nation works towards its net zero goal for 2045, Newton’s success is set to play a vital role, one seedling at a time.
