TCV’s Tree Nursery has been growing local provenance trees for over 30 years with the help of volunteers just like you!
Every season brings a change to the work we do. It starts with sowing in spring, caring for our trees throughout the summer, seed collecting in autumn and finally getting our trees ready to go out the doors during winter.
Northern Ireland has only 8% tree cover, one of the lowest in Europe. Our work ensures that conservation areas are protected and woodland cover is increased.
Come and grow with us and follow the journey from the tiniest seed to the tallest tree. Connect to your environment, enjoy the beautiful surroundings and be part of the journey to a healthier, happier Northern Ireland.
Upcoming opportunities
Get involved
Our growing team of volunteers are the heart of our operation, be a part of what we do. Tackle climate change and increase the numbers of native trees grown with a few hours a week.
Volunteering at the Tree Nursery is varied and seasonal, let’s start from the beginning.
Year round
Seed collecting season starts in July with our first crop – wild cherry which is perhaps our favourite as we get to eat the delicious fruit and save the seeds to become next years young trees.
The season runs right through to December finishing up with hawthorn as we collect the different species as they come into fruit. These seeds are stored, processed, stratified and then sown in seed beds from November to May.
From May to October we tend to our seedlings and young trees in the nursery as well as seed collecting around Northern Ireland.
November to April is bare-root season, our busiest time! Our young trees are dug up by hand, graded bundled and sent off to their new homes.
Contact us for more information
Email: tcv-treenursery@tcv.org.uk