A revolutionary glasshouse in Scotland, spanning the size of two football pitches, is set to double tree production and transform reforestation efforts.
The cutting-edge facility, located in Elgin, Moray, and operated by Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS), marks a major environmental and technological leap forward.
Designed to grow up to 19 million trees annually, the 12,000m² glasshouse will play a crucial role in restoring woodlands and planting new forests across the country.
As part of a multi-million-pound modernisation of FLS’ Newton Nursery, the glasshouse will be used primarily to cultivate lodgepole pine, Scots pine, Sitka, and Norway spruce—key species in Scotland’s £1 billion forestry industry.
The facility's advanced technology will allow FLS to plant one million tree seedlings in a single day, significantly enhancing efficiency and sustainability.
Construction of the glasshouse has now been completed by Morgan Sindall Construction, with initial nursery operations expected to begin in 2025, and the site set to be fully operational by the end of the year.
Welcoming the milestone, Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “This site handover marks a key milestone in FLS’ drive to become fit for the future.
"The modernisation of Newton Nursery – which includes technology to allow for the planting of one million tree seedlings in a single day – will help the organisation improve operational efficiency and flexibility."
By growing trees indoors rather than in open fields, FLS will have greater control over the growing environment, protecting young seedlings from extreme weather, herbivore browsing, and weed competition.
This ambitious project signals a major step forward in Scotland’s efforts to combat climate change.
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