Wyevale Nurseries has been awarded Plant Healthy Certification for its high biosecurity standards for the sixth year in a row it’s been revealed this month. 

The Hereford-based leading UK commercial grower successfully retained its certification following a comprehensive independent audit conducted against the Plant Health Management Standard.

Julia Giermaniuk, Plant Healthy Lead at Wyevale Nurseries, said: “We’re delighted to have achieved our Plant Healthy certification for six consecutive years running. The Plant Healthy certification scheme makes it easier to identify businesses and organisations that trade and grow plants to the highest standards of plant health and biosecurity.

“This certificate reflects the commitment and hard work of colleagues across every area of our business – as strong biosecurity relies on people, training and attention to detail every day.”

Julia, who holds a BSc in Plant Biology and an MSc in Biotechnology from Aberystwyth University, oversees the nursery’s Plant Healthy programme and works with teams across the business to maintain and continuously improve biosecurity standards.

She continued: “Biosecurity is an invisible shield. Threats aren’t always obvious and can be carried on plants, footwear, vehicles or equipment, so it’s vital that best practice is embedded into everyday routines. Our Plant Healthy certification gives customers confidence that robust systems are in place throughout our sites, teams and operational activity.”

At Wyevale Nurseries, incoming stock is carefully isolated, inspected and recorded before being integrated into production areas. Plant movements can be traced through detailed record keeping, while cleaning and disinfecting procedures help minimise risk throughout the nursery.

Staff across multiple departments also receive ongoing training to recognise risks and respond appropriately.

Julia added: “Good records and early reporting are essential because they allow swift action and reduce the chance of problems spreading further. We also work hard to reduce risk through responsible sourcing, using approved suppliers and focusing on locally sourced stock wherever possible.

“Biosecurity doesn’t stop at the nursery gate. By working together, growers, suppliers and retailers can help protect plant health, customer confidence and the future of UK horticulture.”

Certified businesses must successfully complete and pass a Plant Healthy audit and demonstrate their commitment to high voluntary plant health and biosecurity standards.

Plant Healthy Limited, a registered charity, administers the Plant Healthy Certification Scheme and the Plant Health Management Standard on which the Scheme is based.

Malcolm Catlin, Chief Executive of Plant Healthy Limited, said: “The Standard provides the framework and Plant Healthy Scheme certification provides recognition of a high standard of plant biosecurity.

“As well as benefiting individual businesses, it also helps protect the health of our plant life from pests and diseases, helping to safeguard the biodiversity of our natural environment and support the UK economy.” 

Wyevale Nurseries’ product selection is admired across the industry and its talented team regularly introduces new, award-winning plant varieties.

Its main business is supplying garden centres, landscape contractors, local authorities, foresters and landowners with a comprehensive range of trees, shrubs, hedging, herbaceous and specimen plants.

For further details about Wyevale Nurseries, please call 01432 845 200 or visit www.wyevalenurseries.co.uk. For further details about Plant Healthy, please visit www.planthealthy.org.uk