What our certification means and why biosecurity matters
Rymer Trees and Hedging holds Plant Healthy certification under the Plant Health Certification Scheme (PHCS), reference PHCS 0041. This is one of the most important marks of quality and responsibility in the UK tree and plant supply chain.
Plant Healthy is an independent certification scheme that helps businesses demonstrate they are managing plant health risks responsibly. It is designed to minimise the risk of introducing and spreading harmful plant pests and diseases through the supply chain - from nursery to planting site.
The scheme is built around the Plant Health Management Standard, developed by an array of plant health and biosecurity specialists representing government agencies, trade bodies and environmental organisations. Certification requires an independent audit by an approved certification body, repeated annually.
Biosecurity is increasingly treated as part of good corporate responsibility - much like health and safety. Plant Healthy certification is the recognised mark that shows you take it seriously.
The threat to the UK's trees from imported pests and diseases is very real - ash dieback, oak processionary moth, and Phytophthora are all examples of what can happen when biosecurity breaks down in the supply chain. Buying from a Plant Healthy certified nursery means you are sourcing from a business that has been independently assessed against best-practice biosecurity standards.
For public sector projects, grant-aided woodland creation, BNG schemes and government-funded planting programmes, Plant Healthy certification is increasingly specified or expected. It gives ecologists, land agents and project managers confidence that the stock they're ordering is traceable, healthy and responsibly produced.
Achieving and maintaining our Plant Healthy certification requires us to:
This sits naturally alongside our other commitments - peat-free growing, cell production, and Integrated Pest Management - as part of a joined-up approach to responsible nursery practice.
You can find out more about the Plant Healthy scheme at planthealthy.org.uk. To verify our certification, you can search the Plant Healthy certified business directory.