Spring and Summer 2026 have been periods of significant progress in developing the TWP tree nursery. While the nursery is still being constructed, work has continued to create the infrastructure needed for the future propagation and growing of locally sourced trees.

The prolonged dry weather over the last couple of months has highlighted the importance of reliable water supplies for young trees. Ensuring that young trees receive adequate water during periods of low rainfall remains an important part of TWP’s ongoing work, particularly while trees are developing and becoming established. It has reminded us that newly planted trees require ongoing care if they are to survive. It has also reminded us that, wherever site conditions allow, it is worth considering whether encouraging woodland to establish naturally from locally sourced seed may be the more resilient and cost-effective approach. However, planting young trees will continue to play an important role where grazing pressure, dense competing vegetation, predation of seed, unfavourable germination conditions, or the absence of nearby seed sources limit natural regeneration.

A major milestone this summer has been the completion of the mesh tunnel. The structure has now been built and the floor installed. Creating a suitable working surface required a substantial volunteer effort, involving the movement and spreading of many tonnes of Type 1 aggregate and whin dust. Volunteers have also completed the gravel surround around the mesh tunnel, improving access and preparing the area for future nursery activities. Members of the Pitlochry Path Group put a tremendous amount of energy into helping us move much closer to having a fully operational nursery.

Work is continuing on the extension roof of Lens Shed, which will provide additional covered space for our potting bench. Volunteers have also started installing water butts to capture rainwater from the buildings, helping to develop a more sustainable approach to water management as the nursery grows. Despite this excellent progress, many smaller but equally important tasks remain, not least the construction of the growing tables that will eventually support thousands of young trees.

Although the nursery is not yet fully operational, TWP has successfully produced hundreds of young oaks this year. Aspen have also been propagated from root cuttings, and many elm seedlings have germinated. These trees have all been grown away from the nursery while the facilities have been under construction. They have now begun arriving at the site, marking another important milestone as the nursery moves towards becoming fully operational.

Other than the initial construction of the mesh tunnel, all of the work completed at the nursery has been carried out by volunteers. From moving materials and preparing growing areas, to constructing infrastructure, installing rainwater harvesting systems and supporting the care of young trees grown elsewhere, volunteers have provided the practical effort needed to bring the nursery project forward.

Many thanks to all the volunteers and supporters who have contributed their time, skills, materials and encouragement. Every contribution is helping TWP build the foundations for its contribution to woodland restoration across the River Tay catchment.

If you would like to get involved with TWP, please get in touch. Whether through volunteering, supporting our projects or helping with future woodland work, there are many ways to become part of what we are building.