The Future Trees Trust is the UK’s only charity solely dedicated to improving broadleaf trees. Established in 1991, the charity works with scientists and forestry experts to create genetically diverse, climate-resilient woodlands.
The new National Centre aims to be a transformative space for environmental education, sustainable forestry, and community engagement across the UK. According to the Trust, the signifiant contribution from the Wolfson Foundation, secures over 58% of the total project cost.
Located within the National Trust’s Heritage and Rural Skills Centre, which attracts over 40,000 visitors annually, the new centre will serve as a hub for environmental education, career inspiration, and forestry innovation.
The Wolfson Foundation is an independent charity with a focus on research and education. Since 1955, it has awarded over £1 billion to more than 14,000 projects across the UK, supporting excellence in science, health, heritage, humanities, and the arts. The Foundation focuses on capital infrastructure, funding buildings and equipment that enable organisations to deliver outstanding work.
“Restoring tree cover at scale is critical to addressing both the climate crisis and rapid biodiversity loss. Field trials carried out by the Future Trees Trust at its new National Centre will play a key role in developing adapted planting stock for use in reforestation activities right across the UK. We are delighted to help the Trust create new learning and collaboration spaces to educate forestry workers, landowners, school students and the public at large about their vital work, ” explains Paul Ramsbottom, Chief Executive, the Wolfson Foundation.
