Plas Tan y Bwlch Tree Nursery

The nursery

The tree nursery was established at Plas Tan y Bwlch back in the early 1990s to facilitate a constant supply of trees for the Authority’s tree planting projects. Trees grown at the nursery are from local, native seeds which include oak, mountain ash and downy birch. Hedgerow trees are also grown there, including hawthorns and hazel.

There are around 15,000 trees, ranging from saplings to small trees in the nursery at any one time, and so it’s quite an undertaking to plant and look after them all, especially in summer when they need regular watering. The installation of a second polytunnel will increase the nursery’s capacity by a further 5,000 trees.

To help look after the trees and to ensure a steady supply the National Park Authority, through its Carneddau Landscape Partnership scheme, is working in collaboration with Coleg Cambria, Llysfasi on an annual apprenticeship scheme, with the apprentice dividing his/her time between the college and the nursery. The apprentice’s main responsibilities include collecting and planting seeds, and looking after the saplings and small trees until they are mature enough to be planted out.

Why do we need trees?

In response to the climate emergency the National Park Authority is prioritising the need to plant more trees. Many of the Park’s older native trees are reaching the end of their lifespan, and our ash trees are under immediate threat of the ash dieback disease that is spreading like wildfire through our woodlands. As well as their ability to store carbon, improve air quality and mitigating the effects of heavy rain, trees are also very important for biodiversity, as the provide a safe and sheltered habitat for wildlife.

Tree planting

The trees grown are used for the Authority’s tree planting projects. We are also more than happy to provide trees to anyone who wish to plant native trees in their gardens or on their land.