The Granary (5)

Future Trees Trust and National Trust Partnership Plans National Centre for Broadleaved Tree Improvement

In 2024, we launched an exciting partnership with the National Trust, aligning with both organisation’s strategic goals. This collaboration enabled us to relocate to the National Trust Buscot and Coleshill Estate, advance plans for a National Centre, and establish a research woodland at Craven Field in Uffington, south Oxfordshire. By combining our strengths, we reduce project risk while creating a valuable sector resource. This milestone also marks Future Trees Trust’s first opportunity for direct land management, supporting our 10-year strategy and enabling us to increase awareness of our work.

Oak At Cravenfield

The next phase of our partnership project involves converting The Granary, a Grade I Listed heritage building, into the National Centre for Broadleaved Tree Improvement and Outreach. This proposed Centre will serve as a hub for research, education, and collaboration in sustainable forestry.

The Granary (5)

To share this vision and engage our community, we held our 2025 Annual Supporters’ Day, titled “The Future of Ash,” at The Granary. The event opened with remarks from Keith Assirati-Wilkie, General Manager of the National Trust, who reflected on the partnership and the significance of the site. The day provided an opportunity to outline our plans for the Centre and gather feedback from supporters and stakeholders.

Kaith Ntjpeg
Keith Assirati-Wilkie, General Manager of the National Trust speaks at Annual Supporters' Day 2025

A key focus of the Centre will be engaging the general public—particularly children and young people. Educating younger generations about the environment fosters a culture of sustainability and encourages future careers in forestry and conservation. By teaching the importance of trees and forestry in addressing climate change, we aim to inspire long-term environmental responsibility. 

The Centre will also contribute to climate action by promoting sustainable practices, encouraging environmental care, and raising awareness of forestry’s role in a more sustainable future. 

Key benefits of the proposed National Centre include:

  • Supporting research and innovation in forestry

  • Raising awareness about forests’ role in biodiversity and climate regulation

  • Promoting sustainable forest and woodland management

  • Engaging communities in conservation and forestry efforts

  • Providing hands-on learning through workshops and exhibits

  • Showcasing successful projects to inspire action

Granart

We look forward to continuing this important work with the National Trust and our wider community as we take the next steps toward making the National Centre for Broadleaved Tree Improvement a reality. 

Annual Report Image

This update is also included in our Annual Report 24/25

30 May

Future Trees Trust and the National Trust Launch Research Woodland to Secure a Future for Broadleaved Trees 

In Future Trees Trust
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