Project details

Birmingham TreePeople are establishing a Community Tree Nursery in Kings Heath to grow and supply trees for areas of the city with the lowest canopy cover and greatest climate risk. The nursery will provide a permanent base for tree propagation, training and research, enabling us to trial species and techniques suited to Birmingham’s urban environment.

The project supports our wider programme to improve tree equity by producing locally grown tree stock, engaging communities and building skills in tree care and establishment. By summer 2027, we will expand from 260 to around 1,000 trees, introduce seed propagation, and plant trees in priority neighbourhoods.

Funding will be used to install irrigation and rainwater harvesting systems, create a covered teaching space, and improve site security with fencing and gates. It will also support the purchase of tree stock, tools and materials including growing media, air pots, hoses and a pallet truck, and the development of seed and propagation beds.

The Community Tree Nursery will host weekly volunteer sessions and monthly training workshops, building skills and community stewardship while creating a more resilient and equitable urban forest for Birmingham.

The community tree nursery site is owned by Birmingham City Council and a Memorandum of Understanding is in place.

Scheme / Programme

This project is part of Birmingham TreePeople’s wider programme to improve tree equity across the city. The nursery will support planting, training and community engagement work, growing trees for priority areas whilst also acting as a base for research, skills development and volunteer-led activities.

Scale

The scale of this project is 2,220m².

Project delivery timeline

This 24 month project will begin with site setup and expansion from the existing 260 trees, alongside free weekly volunteer sessions. Over summer 2026, irrigation and rainwater systems will be installed. By summer 2027, the nursery will hold 1,000 trees, with propagation and regular workshops for members of the public fully established.

Community involvement

Local communities have been central to the development of the nursery. Volunteers have helped clear the site, plant trees and shape its use, and we have worked with park partners and hosted community events, including a well-attended wassail of the trees in January 2026 attended by over 100 local community members.

During delivery, we will run weekly volunteer sessions, alternating weekdays and weekends to maximise access, alongside monthly skills workshops. Participants will receive training, tools and support, building knowledge in tree care while contributing to the site. Post-delivery, the nursery will remain a hub for ongoing community engagement, learning and stewardship, including workshops on specific skills such as fruit tree grafting, fossil fuel-free felling techniques, coppicing, green woodworking and pests and diseases.