Newham is the least wooded borough in London, with the number and size of its public parks well below national standards. Many schools have little or no vegetation at all in their grounds. Since 1990, the newham Community Project has been run by TCV and Newham Council, to involve the local community in the improvement of their surroundings. This has included tree planting, the creation of nature areas, ponds and other projects. During the first five years of the project, over 8,000 trees and shrubs were planted in the borough, involving nearly 5,000 local children and adults. To make the project self-sufficient in planting stock, a tree nursery has been established, run by Newham Conservation Volunteers with the help of other community groups. In the future, sales of planting stock to other projects may provide income for the nursery.
Tree nurseries only require a small area of ground, but the site must be carefully chosen. The soil should preferably be deep and well drained, or raised beds can be constructed to provide these conditions. The site should be sheltered from the wind, and should not be on a cold north or east facing slope, or in a frost pocket. Secure fencing is needed against people and animals. Water is needed on the site.
Managing a tree nursery requires weekly tending, with periods of more intensive work in the spring and autumn. Seed can be collected locally, both from native and introduced trees. Winter storage or ‘stratification’ is needed for some species to germinate. In spring, the seed can be sown in seed boxes, pots, boxes or special modular seed trays. At the end of the first or second growing season, between October and March, the seedlings are transplanted and ‘lined out’ in a prepared bed. The planting distance depends on the height of the seedlings, but planting can be as close as 100 plants per square metre. The young trees are then transplanted again the following year, to a wider spacing. Depending on the species and the required size for final planting out, the trees can be transplanted again, or ‘undercut’ with a spade. The aim of transplanting and undercutting is to discourage the growth of a long tap root, instead promoting fibrous root growth which makes final establishment easier.
The young trees need to be weeded throughout the growing season, and watered in dry spells.
