Tree Nursery Project

Background Information

This project is facilitating a group of older homeless or ex-homeless people to set up and run a small tree nursery and vegetable allotment.

The project is user-led, and there are lots of possibilities as to how it could develop in the future! The trees and shrubs are being grown from collected seed, seedlings and cuttings in pots. The project is being run with the support of Cambridge Preservation Society at Wandlebury Country Park, who are offering their expertise and a market for some of the native trees when they are a couple of years old. We hope to be involved in some tree planting ourselves, but we will also sell on saplings to other organisations.

As some of the potential participants were initially more interested in growing vegetables, and because trees are slow growing, an allotment has been started alongside. The vegetables and fruit complement the trees, providing variety, faster results and opening up another area of interest.

Our shed is equipped with tea making facilities- tea break being a vital part of our morning! The project aims to continue throughout the year. In very bad weather, we meet indoors nearby where we can pursue related activities, such as woodwork- e.g. making cold frames, and other activities to be decided by the group. We now also have a Landrover, which apart from picking up participants and transporting tools, materials and plants, is also available for occasional visits and social outings. Over the summer we have been out to the Raptor Foundation and Wandlebury.

Why are we doing it?

The project provides a meaningful activity for older people who may not want or be able to take up some of the courses and other activities on offer. The hope is that regular involvement will improve people's quality of life, reduce social isolation and improve participant's mental and physical health. Already there is a growing sense of achievement and pride in what has been accomplished, and excitement as the next stage is planned.

When is it?

The project currently runs every Tuesday and Thursday morning, meeting from 9.30am for a 10am start to around 12.30-1 pm, but this is flexible and can be adjusted to meet the needs of the individual and group. We have 2 years funding from Help the Aged, but hope the project will continue beyond that.

Who can participate?

This project is especially for the older homeless or ex-homeless person. The target group is over 50 years old. Everyone is initially from Cyrenian residences or through the Older Homeless Project, but now it is becoming established we are ready to welcome referrals from other organisations working with the homeless in Cambridge. Participants need to agree to a no alcohol policy on site, and to be able to use tools safely. We are aiming at a small group size of around 6 participants at any session.

Want to know more?

If you would like to know more, or make a referral, please contact Marion Thompson, Project Co-ordinator using the details on the Contact Us page.