Newton Nursery

Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) required a modern nursery capable of significantly increasing tree production while improving operational efficiency, sustainability and resilience.

The existing facility was producing around seven million trees annually. FLS's vision was to create a future-ready nursery that could dramatically expand production capacity while supporting national planting targets and Scotland's transition to net zero. The project also needed to overcome the challenges of developing a large-scale facility across an undulating six-hectare site.

Morgan Sindall Construction worked closely with FLS and the wider design team to deliver a phased development that combined innovative construction techniques with sustainable design principles.

An early enabling works package was undertaken while the main design was finalised, allowing programme efficiencies and early risk mitigation. This initial phase included the diversion of overhead power lines and raising site levels by approximately three metres to create a suitable development platform for the glasshouse and ancillary facilities.

The completed development comprises:

• A 12,500m² glasshouse facility
• A planting and harvesting operation centre
• A cold storage and distribution facility
• A machine store
• An administration and welfare hub
• Associated infrastructure, servicing and hardstanding works

The large-scale glasshouse, spanning the equivalent of approximately two football pitches, forms the centrepiece of the redevelopment and enables a highly controlled growing environment for tree seedlings.

The new facility has been designed to modernise every stage of the seedling growing process, from planting and germination through to harvesting and distribution.

Advanced growing environments and modern operational systems will significantly improve germination rates, increasing success rates from around 60% to between 80% and 90%. The nursery also incorporates technology that enables the planting of up to one million seedlings in a single day, increasing efficiency and operational flexibility.

Once fully operational, Newton Nursery will increase annual production to approximately 25 million trees, helping support Scotland's ambitious woodland creation and carbon reduction targets.

Sustainability was embedded throughout both the design and construction phases.

Key environmental features include:

• A 40kW solar PV system capable of providing 53% of the facility's energy requirements
• Borehole irrigation systems that eliminate additional demand on the mains water network
• Air source heat pumps to remove direct carbon emissions from heating systems
• Pre-manufactured timber systems that reduce construction waste and embodied carbon
• Advanced building management systems and low-energy technologies incorporated throughout the development

The project team also adopted an innovative ground preparation solution that eliminated the need for traditional cement stabilisation, saving approximately 985 tonnes of carbon emissions. In addition, a further 80,000 tonnes of site material was retained and reused on site, significantly reducing transportation-related emissions.

Alongside the physical development, the project delivered significant social value across Moray and the surrounding area.

Key outcomes included:

• 11 apprenticeships and trainee opportunities
• Six work experience placements
• STEM engagement activities with more than 150 pupils
• Support for local SMEs and supply chain partners
• More than £3,000 donated to local causes and community organisations

The team also delivered educational initiatives promoting sustainable forestry, including workshops and school engagement activities that helped inspire future generations to learn more about Scotland's forestry sector.

The project represents the largest single infrastructure investment ever undertaken by Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS), creating a modern, efficient and sustainable nursery capable of supporting Scotland's long-term environmental ambitions.

Key Outcomes

• Annual production capacity increased from 7 million to approximately 25 million trees
• Germination rates increased to 80-90%
• 12,500m² glasshouse facility delivered
• 15,000m² of external works completed
• 985 tonnes of carbon emissions avoided through innovative ground engineering solutions
• 80,000 tonnes of material retained and reused on site
• Significant contribution towards Scotland's woodland creation and net-zero targets