This project will develop and test peat-free growing media made from Scottish agricultural and forestry by-products processed through vermiculture. The aim is to create high-performance substrates for commercial tree nurseries that reduce reliance on imported coir, lower carbon impacts and support sustainable woodland creation.

Materials including hemp shiv, broom and nursery residues will be converted into nutrient-rich vermicast and extracts, demonstrating a circular approach that reduces waste while strengthening Scotland’s nursery supply chain. Trials will assess germination, root development, plant health and resilience in Sitka spruce and birch grown under operational nursery conditions.

Partnership approach

The project brings together:

• Pictish Worms – development and production of vermiculture-derived materials
• Forestry and Land Scotland – delivery of nursery trials
• The Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen – independent scientific analysis

Key aims (first 12 months)

• Develop and validate peat- and coir-free substrates from Scottish by-products.
• Demonstrate strong seedling growth and resilience in nursery trials.
• Provide evidence to support wider adoption of low-carbon growing media.

Monitoring and evaluation

Success will be measured through nursery performance data, laboratory analysis of nutrient and microbial characteristics, and monitoring of production consistency to confirm the materials are reliable and scalable for Scotland’s tree-nursery sector.