Palmstead Nurseries has recently expanded its growing capacity with a new seven-bay Multispan structure supplied and installed by Northern Polytunnels. As one of the South East's leading wholesale nurseries, Palmstead needed a reliable covered system that could support high production volumes, improve workflow efficiency and integrate seamlessly with their existing irrigation and growing routines.
© Northern Polytunnels
The new Multispan aims to deliver that. Designed for long-term commercial use, it provides a large, open growing environment with excellent crop uniformity and reliable climate management. The installation included ventilated sides fitted with automated roll-up curtains for responsive airflow control, a central roof vent, and continuous valley gutters to manage rainfall efficiently and protect growing areas.
Built for commercial scale growing
Northern Polytunnels designed and manufactured a seven-bay EnviroPro-style multispan to suit Palmstead's layout and crop requirements. The structure features a configuration of seven bays that maximizes the usable growing area. It is constructed with an all-metal, galvanized steel frame, ensuring durability and longevity. For robust water management, valley gutters are installed between each bay. The multispan also includes automated roll-up side curtains that help regulate airflow and temperature. A central roof vent is positioned in the warmest bay, with the provision for additional vents to be added later if needed. This design provides a large, unified growing environment while allowing Palmstead to fine-tune temperature, airflow, and humidity across the space.
Climate control designed around the crops
A key requirement for Palmstead was dependable ventilation. The Multispan's automated roll-up side curtains allow rapid adjustments to temperature and humidity throughout the day. This helps minimise disease pressure, improve airflow and keep the internal environment stable in changing weather conditions.
A roof vent was also installed in the central bay, targeting the warmest part of the structure where heat naturally accumulates. Palmstead plans to monitor how effectively this single roof vent regulates temperature, with the option to retro-fit additional vents later if needed. The multispan frame is designed to accommodate add-ons like this, giving the nursery full control over future upgrades.
© Northern Polytunnels
Valley gutters between each bay ensure effective rain management. This protects the walkways and growing areas from runoff and makes year-round work easier and safer for the team.
Integrated irrigation lines have been installed so that each bay can slot straight into Palmstead's existing watering program.
A structure built for growth
With the new seven-bay multispan in place, Palmstead Nurseries now has a significantly expanded protected growing area designed to support both current demand and future crops. The all-metal frame, flexible ventilation options and retrofit-ready design mean the structure can evolve over time as Palmstead continues to refine their production systems.
For more information:
Northern Polytunnels
Email: [email protected]
https://northernpolytunnels.co.uk/
