The team at Cherry Tree Nursery in Bournemouth is celebrating after being crowned the ‘Best Place to Work’ at a prestigious local awards ceremony.
Northbourne-based Cherry Tree was announced as the Gold Winner in the Ferndown and Uddens BID Best Place To Work category at the Ferndown Local Business Awards 2025 on 14 November.
Cherry Tree Nursery is run by the mental health charity Plants and Minds, which also operates Chestnut Nursery in Poole. Both nurseries support people with life-impacting mental health conditions, restoring wellbeing via therapeutic horticulture.
Service users, who are known as Team Members, work with plants in a safe, non-pressurised environment, receiving support with their mental health while building confidence and resilience. They become part of a thriving, friendly community which helps to break the cycle of people feeling frightened, lonely and isolated. Cherry Tree Nursery is also widely acclaimed for its extensive range of top-quality, fantastic value plants, nurtured by Team Members.
The Ferndown Local Business Awards celebrate excellence in the business community, recognising and rewarding local businesses that have made significant contributions to the local economy, business innovation and community spirit.
Sandi Marshall, Nursery Manager at Cherry Tree Nursery, accepted the award at the ceremony from Liz Hutchings of Total Business Network.
Sandi said: “We are absolutely delighted to now officially be an award-winning nursery and charity! Everyone at Cherry Tree is thrilled with the Gold Award, and it shows just how much the charity means to our Team Members.”
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Team Member Cat said: “Cherry Tree gives me a sense of purpose. Everyone accepts my differences. I’ve made friends here and people are accepting of me, even when my communication isn’t good. It’s inclusive and I appreciate the support the staff have provided; no-one gives up on me. This is what I look forward to in my week.”
Judges at the Ferndown Local Business Awards said: “Our Gold winner entered and received many nominations [from staff, Team Members and volunteer Friends of the nursery] who praised the charity for supporting people with mental health issues. The judges all marked the entry highly.”
Debbie Jarmey, a Trustee at Plants and Minds, told of her delight that Cherry Tree had been recognised, saying the award provided a perfect opportunity to showcase how the charity successfully supports so many people with their mental health.
Debbie said: “Cherry Tree isn’t simply a great place to work; it’s a place where people feel safe, are cared for and become part of something truly amazing. The nursery is a unique, tranquil oasis that’s vitally important to those who work there, while being highly regarded by the local community which has continually supported us. Congratulations to everyone who has made this charity an organisation that I’m incredibly proud to be part of.”
Cherry Tree Team Members have told how much they value the nursery. One said: “As a young person who is afraid of change and trying new things, I was tentative on taking the chance to work with Cherry Tree. After a few months I can confidently say it is the best decision I have made in my life. It’s almost overwhelming how much kindness the community shows. I am given the freedom to be who I really am without an ounce of judgement. If you are struggling there is always someone to talk to.”
Another explained: “I can’t express how much Cherry Tree has helped me to come out of my shell. My confidence, which had diminished before, has come into flower. It’s all thanks to Cherry Tree, my second home.”
A third summed-up: “Cherry Tree is the perfect place to build confidence and resilience, working in a controlled and safe environment where my challenges are known and accepted, and people are understanding and empathetic. You are only expected to do your best and people support each other. It’s a place where you can talk about mental health without judgment or ridicule; people understand because they’ve had similar experiences. The support at Cherry Tree and from the wider community is huge and we all appreciate it.”