FEATURE
Keith says that natural production methods learnt from Soil Association certified approaches are evident at the nursery. In addition to using organically approved mechanical and biological pest and weed control, the nursery also utilises techniques that were successful throughout the late 18th century and up until the Second World War. Organic Hedging and Trees has zero tolerance for the use of artificial chemicals. The team readily admits that while the growing of any plants without chemicals and synthetic fertilisers is a learning curve and can incur higher overheads, the benefits to our environment and wildlife far outweigh the costs. Nil use of peat is not required for organic certification. However, the nursery appreciates peat mining’s adverse effects on the climate and its role in destroying valuable ecosystems, and so grow all its trees without the addition of peat. Keith says: “We are a small family-run nursery that aims to keep our pricing competitive, to listen to our customers and provide a one-to-one service with an ethos that no order is too small.” Trees are shipped all over the UK at a low fixed shipping rate, using 90% Several options for seed selection and biodegradable products. subsequent growth are available. For “We are convinced that the production the vast majority, the company grows of organic trees in a UK its own produce from nursery will reduce seed provided by a FIND OUT MORE the danger of further certified seed supplier. imported diseases and If required, seeds can be organichedgingandtrees.co.uk other issues,” adds supplied from a specific Keith. “I believe that region, or can be taken trees sourced from a UK nursery will be from a customer’s own tree. The family a sustainable and environmentally sound nursery also use seeds collected from its source of trees for future generations.” own trees on the farm.
Going organic
Mk A Mike Ashton h finds d out h how CLA member Organic Hedging and Trees isǠdrawing on centuries of experience to produce sustainable and organic trees
A
family-run tree nursery on the Staffordshire/ Shropshire border is embarking on a unique opportunity for those in its community interested in provenance and natural production. Organic Hedging and Trees is the only Soil Association certified organic hedging and tree nursery in the UK, specialising in bare root whips and two-to-three metre trees supplied as root balls. Under the direction of Keith Shropshire, the family-run tree nursery draws on 30 years’ experience growing organic vegetables and salad production for supermarkets. As a subsidiary to the larger family farming business, this new operation seeks to provide a unique opportunity for any customer interested in provenance, natural production, restriction of artificial chemicals, reduction of peat mining, and a competitive pricing package. A proven provenance record is of particular importance to the nursery.
cla.org.uk
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