Trevor, Community Tree Nursery volunteer

Trevor has volunteered at Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse Museum in various roles for around 25 years. In the last few years, he has helped out at Gressenhall Community Tree Nursery, which was developed in the farm grounds in 2021 to grow trees that will be planted across Norfolk, contributing to a greener future. 

The nursery is run by a dedicated team of volunteers who collect seeds from nearby woodlands and hedgerows between September and November each year. These seeds are then nurtured and planted in raised beds. Once the seedlings reach the required size, they will either be supplied bare rooted during the dormant season or potted on for sale in the museum shop. 

Trevor says: "By volunteering in the nursery, you're not only helping to grow trees but also inspiring others as well as engaging with fellow volunteers and visitors.  

"The good thing about the whole of this process is that it takes place against a friendly, social backdrop of conversation while we gently learn together. There has been much written about the health-giving effects of socialising in this way - volunteering, learning a new skill and finding opportunities to experience the natural world. Sharing all these things for two hours each week always leaves me with a positive feeling and a sense of achievement at having made an enduring contribution to Norfolk's environmental heritage."