The Plant Healthy Certification Scheme has passed 100 members, which covers more than 3,500 hectares and 180m plants annually. 

The latest certified site is the Newton site of Forestry and Land Scotland, which marks a significant step forward for free and plant biosecurity and sustainability in the UK.

Managed by registered charity Plant Healthy, the certification helps professionals anywhere minimise the risk of introducing and spreading damaging pests and diseases when growing and handling plant material. 

Malcolm Catlin, the charity’s project director, presented Newton Nursery with its certificate on 7 October:

“Passing the 100-member milestone is obviously a reason for extra celebration. In the case of this nursery, the investment being made in increasing the production of British-grown trees will help meet our planting targets with a high standard of biosecurity in place.”

The Newton site plays a crucial role in Scotland’s forest management, growing trees from seed, and supports timber production and woodland creation across the country.