Poole’s Chestnut Nursery celebrates record success
Chestnut Nursery, Poole’s ‘plant paradise’ for shoppers, is celebrating a phenomenal 150% rise in sales since the site was transformed by a state-of-the-art redevelopment in 2019. The Nursery is run by the charity Plants and Minds and supports adults experiencing severe and enduring mental health conditions.
Widely acclaimed for its range of top-quality plants, inspirational displays and expert horticultural advice, Chestnut offers more than 50 voluntary work placements to its service users, known as Team Members. People who suffer with mental illness are supported in a caring, pressure-free, professional work environment. Many go on to full-time paid employment.
Chestnut Nursery took over the old Poole Council nursery next to Poole Park in 2001. The site was redeveloped in 2019 and record figures released today demonstrate the life-changing impact of this ambitious horticultural project. The site’s transformation, with help from many local companies, saw the creation of a flagship 200 square metre store clad in gabion cages of Purbeck stone and powered by renewable energy technology – along with more than 740 square metres of retail area and nursery.
Sowing the seeds of success
Andy Verreck, Nursery Manager at Chestnut, said the new facilities had transformed the future of a project that was previously financially unviable. Andy said: “None of this would have been possible without our supporters, who range from large charitable trusts to individual donors, business and suppliers, as well as the many support services that refer people to us. A huge thank you to our many customers, both trade and retail: their loyalty has ensured the continued success of the nursery.”
He added: “The redevelopment has enabled Chestnut to support our Team Members by delivering first-class training in professional horticulture and providing retail experience, while breaking down social isolation and engaging in a meaningful way with the wider community. The incredible achievements announced today are a direct result of our Team Members gaining valuable work experience and confidence at the nursery.”
No judgement, just support
Team Members praised the safe haven provided by Chestnut, citing the project’s ability to break isolation, create new social circles, work with plants, provide structure to the day and develop new skills in a friendly, safe environment.
Team Members are referred to Chestnut via services including Community Mental Health Teams (CMHT), Steps 2 Wellbeing, Access Wellbeing Hubs and GPs. During 2024, a total of 25 referrals were received, 22 of which were accepted.