Growing & selling locally sourced trees since 1997
Our project is all about providing plants of guaranteed local origin. Plants used in conservation planting often originate or grow in other countries (or other regions of Britain). Even among Sussex commercial nurseries who specialise in native tree species, there are none who guarantee Sussex origin for their full range - if at all. This is what Special Branch uniquely does.
Local origin matters to wildlife, to the environment and to the trees.
For wildlife, the flowering and fruiting of local origin native tree species is well synchronised with the requirements of local creatures (eg for food).
For the environment, local origin planting makes the least carbon footprint and contributes to sustained biodiversity by conserving the local gene pools.
For the trees themselves, local origin means that plants are better adapted to our local climate and soils, so are more likely to thrive and can be more resistant to foreign pests and diseases.
Our seeds are sourced from wild environments in Sussex, mostly within about 15 miles of Brighton. Or from mature hedges on our site, which we have grown from local seed.
We feel this matters. We probably are unique as a supplier in being able to specify origin often within a few hundred meters - rather than just ‘Zone 405’ in the Forest Reproductive Material classification, which covers most of south-east England.
We grow organically. We're part of Stanmer Organics Ltd, a co-op registered with The Soil Association.
Contact us: Mobile: 07796 592 786 This number is only in use on Fridays.