This April, our project team has completed work on the cutting-edge tree nursery facility in Elgin, marking a significant milestone in Scotland’s environmental infrastructure. Located in the north-east of Scotland, the Newton Nursery grows saplings for the sustainable timber industry. The project allowed an increase in production from 7 million to 25 million trees per year. Delivered for Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS), the project showcases innovative construction methods and sustainable design solutions.

Fairhurst played a crucial role in the project, providing integrated civil and structural engineering solutions to create a sustainable and efficient forestry production facility.  The project not only increases FLS’s ability to produce up to 25 million trees annually but also ensures environmental responsibility through sustainable water management, SuDS implementation, and energy-efficient infrastructure.

Fairhurst’s Scope of Work:

  • Geo-Environmental Investigations & design: Designed and managed extensive ground investigations to allow for earthworks modelling and structural foundation designs.
  • Hydrogeology Investigations & design: Designed and managed borehole investigations for implementing water abstraction for irrigation purposes allowing for a sustainable growing facility.
  • Transport Studies: Undertook traffic studies to allow for new junction to be designed off existing B class road without major infrastructure upgrade works.
  • Earthworks modelling: Extensive cut and fill analysis was undertaken to prevent soils being imported or exported from site. 31,000m3 of suitable site won material was reused to balance levels across the site.
  • Civil Engineering: Delivered innovative civil engineering solutions, including SuDS implementation, to manage surface water sustainablyv
  • Structural Engineering: The development included four distinct buildings, each requiring tailored design approaches that were refined through the initial RIBA stages to achieve economic yet compliant structural solutions, including a 12,000m2 lightweight steel venlo Glasshouse.

 

Image: © Forestry and Land Scotland

Key Innovations and Sustainable Practices:

  • Modular Systems for Glasshouse Installation: Streamlined construction processes and reduced waste
  • Pre-Manufactured Timber Kits: Minimised construction waste and embodied carbon
  • 40kW Solar PV System: Provided 53% of the facility’s energy needs
  • Air Source Heat Pumps: Eliminated direct carbon emissions
  • On-Site Material Retention: Retained 80,000 tonnes of surface material to eliminate significant transport carbon emissions

Community Engagement and Social Value:

  • Apprenticeships and Trainee Positions: Created 11 opportunities for local young people
  • STEM Workshops: Engaged over 150 pupils across multiple schools, including New Elgin Primary School and Charleston Academy
  • Work Experience Placements: Offered six placements with potential progression into permanent roles
  • Support for Local SMEs: Targeted opportunities awarded to local supply chain partners
  • Community Donations: Contributed over £3,000 to local causes

Image: © Forestry and Land Scotland

The Newton Nursery project exemplifies how innovative engineering practices, combined with forestry expertise, can support Scotland’s environmental and economic goals while delivering significant social value to the local community.

Read more about our work on the Newton Nursery project here

Image: © Forestry and Land Scotland

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