A one-of-a-kind community tree nursery has been formally opened at a site near Sherwood Pines.

Located at FeelGood Gardens, The Sherwood Seedbank enables local tree and plant seeds to be collected by the community and volunteers, and then propagated and grown on to healthy young trees and native plants ready for planting.

The Sherwood Forest Trust charity and Newark and Sherwood District Council said the nursery will protect the Sherwood Forest habitat for future generations — and they aim to plant more than 8,000 trees by March 2025.

The nursery will also be a hub for the community through its volunteering and community engagement programme, creating opportunities for people to engage in social action, learn new skills, and get active and hands-on with nature.

Community groups, schools, and residents have already visited and supported the nursery through their volunteering.

The council awarded the charity £93,000 from its UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) allocation to develop the nursery programme. The David Cock Foundation, Aviva Insurance, Mansfield Building Society, Natural England, and the Forestry Commission also contributed to the capital costs.

Coun Emma Oldham, portfolio holder for Biodiversity and Environmental Services at the council, said: “One of our priorities, both as a district council and through UKSPF, is our commitment to enhancing our Green spaces.

“It is vital that we protect the remarkable habitat at Sherwood Forest for generations to come.”

Dr Patrick Candler, trust chief executive, added: “After more than three years planning and preparation, it is fantastic we have got The Sherwood Seedbank open for business.

“In the years to come, we will be able to collect all types of Sherwood tree seeds, grow them on, and then plant them out to extend Sherwood Forest. It’s a true circle of life!

“We are grateful to all our funders, and we really want local people to come and support the work that we do.”

Anyone interested in getting involved in the project — to volunter or visit the seedbank — should email [email protected]