Major investment in UK forestry as Delamere seed processing centre opens

Forestry England’s new tree seed processing centre - the UK’s largest and most advanced of its kind – it’s now officially open in Delamere! The cutting-edge facility will support creating climate-resilient forests for future generations and represents a major investment in the UK forestry sector.

We provided structural and civil engineering on the centre, working with Ellis Williams Architects, Willmott Dixon and Buckland Timber. 

Built next to one of Forestry England’s tree nursery sites, the timber-framed, net zero centre will "significantly expand" its capacity to process seeds from a wider variety of tree species, including those identified through research as better suited to thrive in changing climate conditions.

Our brief for the facility was to deliver infrastructure that stands the test of time - not only in durability, but in ecological and social value. This project allowed us to:

• Design the building to process up to four tonnes of tree seeds per year, including cornifer and broadleaf tree seeds. .
• Built to net zero carbon in operation, leveraging solar PV, triple glazing, and sustainable drainage systems.
• Reduced upfront embodied carbon specifying a mass-timber structural frame, and deploying carbon reduction techniques such as basalt fibre mesh reinforcement in place of traditional steel.
• Design the facility to reduce dependence on imported seed, with 12 orchards and 29 seed stands to support greater species diversity across UK forests.
• Deliver in partnership with Willmott Dixon, Ellis Williams Architects, and Buckland Timber - working closely to integrate best practice in sustainability, engineering, and design. 

James Bruce, director of our North studio, comments:

“The client’s drive for a low-carbon and low-waste solution was key to the decision to use exposed mass timber. By involving Buckland Timber from the outset, we were able to refine the design to achieve both strength and efficiency, while showcasing the beauty of the material.

This is more than a building - it’s a legacy project. It shows our commitment to carbon-conscious engineering, biodiversity, and resilient infrastructure that supports future generations and forests for decades to come.”

A huge well done to everyone at team Civic and our partners for bringing this to life. We can’t wait to see the impact it has across the UK’s landscapes and woodlands.

Click here to read Forestry England’s full announcement.