Growing Well has launched ‘Treebay’, a new tree nursery at our site at Tebay Services will cultivate up to 20,000 native broadleaf trees each year as part of our mental health recovery programme.
The initiative is designed to address a significant undersupply of native tree species for conservation and rewilding projects across the UK, while supporting individuals living with severe mental health challenges.
The cost of setting up the tree nursery has been met by funding from Archipelago Choice, Forestry England, Lion Trust Foundation, Scottish Power Foundation, National Lottery Community Fund, National Lottery Heritage Fund and Westmorland Family.
Once the first young trees – or whips – are ready for sale, all proceeds will be reinvested into Growing Well’s social enterprise to support the long-term sustainability of its mental health services.
Mary Smith, Chief Executive at Growing Well: “A wide variety of native ‘montane’ species will be grown on-site at Tebay Services including alder, hornbeam, hazel, juniper, whitebeam, crab apple, bird cherry, dog rose and guelder rose.”
“From seed collection through to final planting, our volunteers will be involved in every step developing practical skills, supporting their recovery, and contributing directly to environmental regeneration.”
Helen Duxbury, Development Manager at Cumbria Wildlife Trust: “We are really pleased to be partnering with Growing Well in growing trees for some of our important projects, including the creation of an Atlantic rainforest at Skiddaw Forest.
Our organisations share an understanding of the importance of the natural environment for its positive impact on health and wellbeing for all of us. Our partnership is bringing together Growing Well’s expertise on tackling poor mental health and Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s environmental knowhow to work together for the good of people and the planet.”
Sarah Dunning, Chair of Westmorland Ltd, which operates Tebay Services: “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.”
