At Procurement Hub, we are proud to support Forestry England's latest project, a £14.5 million upgrade to their tree nursery near Delamere Forest in Cheshire.
This transformative project was procured through our Major Projects Framework 2 (MPF2), allowing Forestry England to efficiently deliver this important development while ensuring compliance, value for money, and sustainability.
The new facility will include a state of the art seed extractory building, designed to produce seeds for millions of high quality, climate resilient trees that will be vital for the UK’s future forestry needs. Equipped with cutting edge seed processing machinery, it will also expand cold and dry storage areas, ensuring several tonnes of seeds can be stored under optimal conditions for germination and future planting.
Set to open in spring 2025, the new facility will be the largest of its kind in the UK, capable of processing up to four tonnes of tree seeds annually. This development will replace Forestry England’s existing facility at Alice Holt Forest, which has been in use since 1964. The upgrade is funded through the Defra Nature for Climate Fund, with additional support from Forestry England.
This project marks a significant step forward in the UK’s forestry sector. It will allow Forestry England to process more seeds from a broader range of tree species, including Douglas fir, western red cedar, and Norway spruce, which are well-suited to the changing climate in England. By boosting the availability of high-quality seeds from diverse species, the facility will reduce the UK’s reliance on imported seeds, benefiting both public and private nurseries across the country.
Sustainability is at the heart of this project. The new building has been designed with best practice construction methods, ensuring it will be net-zero carbon in operation. Features like a cross-laminated timber frame, solar PV panels, triple glazing, and sustainable drainage solutions showcase Forestry England's commitment to environmental responsibility. The project will also benefit from advanced energy performance monitoring to further reduce operational costs and enhance efficiency.
Through our Major Projects Framework, we’ve been able to provide a streamlined, efficient procurement process that aligns with Forestry England’s long-term vision. The framework ensures that projects like this are delivered with a strong focus on sustainability, innovation, and local community benefits. We're excited to continue our work with Forestry England as they invest in the future of UK forestry.
Andy Peck, our Senior Client Relationship Manager, emphasises: "It’s been a pleasure working with Forestry England. Their forward thinking approach aligns perfectly with our goals at Procurement Hub. Together, we are building infrastructure that will have a lasting positive impact on the environment and the community."
By using our Major Projects Framework 2 (MPF2), Forestry England has secured a high-quality delivery partner in Willmott Dixon while also meeting its sustainability and community engagement goals. We look forward to seeing the project’s completion and the long term benefits it will bring to the UK’s forestry sector and natural environment.
This project highlights our ongoing commitment to supporting large scale, sustainable developments through the power of efficient procurement, ensuring the best outcomes for our clients and the environment alike.
Find out more about the framework here.