Set on the Carmarthenshire coast, our Laugharne Nursery is the newest addition to Salix’s growing network of UK native plant nurseries. Established on a former aquaculture site with access to both saltwater and freshwater, Laugharne is uniquely positioned to grow plant species for both terrestrial and marine habitats. This includes seagrass and saltmarsh species, alongside freshwater wetland plants, supporting the restoration of diverse ecosystems across the UK.

At the heart of Laugharne Nursery is our partnership with Project Seagrass, an organisation dedicated to restoring the UK’s lost seagrass meadows. Up to 92% of these vital underwater habitats have been lost since the 1930s, and their restoration is essential for biodiversity, water quality, and carbon sequestration. Together with Project Seagrass, Salix is working to develop a reliable, scalable source of UK-grown seagrass plants and seed to supply restoration projects throughout the country.

The nursery has already played a key role in this mission, housing more than 1.4 million seagrass seeds from sites around the UK to support ongoing restoration efforts. Early successes have seen the establishment of thriving adult plants within the propagation polytunnel and outdoor ponds, setting a strong foundation for expansion and large-scale production.

The Laugharne facility development marks the first time seagrass has been grown commercially at this scale in the UK. It is now recognised as a model site for seagrass propagation and nursery design, attracting interest from international partners and researchers seeking to replicate its methods.

Through its collaboration with Project Seagrass, the nursery contributes to the Global Seagrass Nursery Network, an international knowledge-sharing initiative that brings together science, restoration practice and sustainability innovation. The shared goal is to create a network of nurseries capable of restoring 30 km² of seagrass by 2030, helping the UK deliver on national biodiversity and carbon reduction targets.

Beyond seagrass

Alongside its pioneering marine work, Laugharne is the only nursery in the UK to grow saltmarsh plants on a commercial scale, as well as a variety of freshwater pond and wetland species. This combination of habitats allows Salix to expand its range and offer clients a wider portfolio of plants and pre-grown products suitable for everything from rivers and wetlands to estuaries and coastal environments.

Our investment in Laugharne continues to grow, with new infrastructure, water management systems and research partnerships being developed to support large-scale propagation and delivery. The site complements our Croxton Nursery operations, together forming a powerful capability that spans the full range of aquatic and wetland plant species for both inland and coastal restoration.

For more information on our seagrass or saltmarsh growing programmes, or to find out more please contact the Salix team.