The Tree Health Centre

Specialist education facility in tree health, pests and diseases. Arboretum diversification project.
2018 - 2019
Business Consultant
The Tree Health Centre is a purpose-built training facility at the Yorkshire Arboretum, Castle Howard; a 120-acre landscape, home to 6,000 trees from around the world.

In response to rising threats from tree diseases such as Ash Dieback and Dutch Elm, the Arboretum team identified a unique opportunity to create a centre for specialist training in tree health, pests, and diseases.

Sam was engaged to develop the master business plan and lead a funding application to the Local Growth Fund, managed by the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).  

Sam built a detailed financial model based on the proposed course calendar, space use, and staffing needs, which he then used to write a comprehensive business case compliant with HM Treasury Green Book standards.

The application was praised by the LEP and successfully secured £286,000 which was 50% of the eligible project costs.  

The business plan was also used to secure £200,000 grant funding from the Peter Sowerby Foundation, which, along with the support of private donors, enabled the creation of a nationally significant training facility rooted in ecological stewardship and expertise.

Discover more at yorkshirearboretum.org/tree-health

Refined initial project ideas and scope
Prepared HM Treasury Green Book compliant business case
Secured £286k in grant investment from LEP and £200k grant from Peter Sowerby Foundation

Project highlights

600k
Project budget (£)
486k
Grant funding (£)
800
Learners per year (design capacity)

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Gohn Grimshaw
Director, Yorkshire Arboretum

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