The UK’s most advanced seed centre has officially opened in Cheshire, marking a major step in strengthening the nation’s forest resilience against climate change. Located near Delamere Forest, the facility will process up to four tonnes of seeds annually—enough to grow millions of trees for decades to come, according to Forestry England.
Forestry Minister Mary Creagh described the project as “nationally significant,” highlighting its role in climate adaptation. “This is part of our climate resilience,” she said. “It’s also really important for our economy. We are the largest wood importer in the world, and in a climate-constrained future we are going to have to grow more of our own.”
The new facility, funded through the Nature for Climate Fund and Forestry England, will focus on producing seeds for trees that are more resilient to rising temperatures, pests, and disease. Officials say this will help secure the long-term health of UK woodlands while supporting net-zero and biodiversity goals.
Tristram Hilborn, Chief Operating Officer of Forestry England, emphasized the importance of future-proofing British forests. “If you think about the threats we’re facing, from the climate crisis to pests and disease, we need to ensure we are protecting our future. What we need to consider for 100 years’ time is the sort of trees that will thrive in that climate.”
Hilborn added that this could mean sourcing seeds from regions with climates similar to those expected in the UK decades from now. “The forest science we are doing here is really important in making sure we have a tree-resilient future for the nation,” Creagh agreed.
The centre will also serve as a hub for forestry science, ensuring that research translates into practical measures for reforestation and woodland management. By producing climate-adapted seeds, Forestry England hopes to safeguard ecosystems, improve biodiversity, and reduce reliance on imported wood.
Officials say the Cheshire facility represents both an environmental and economic investment, laying the groundwork for a more self-sufficient and sustainable forestry sector.
