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Certified Organic by Organic Farmers and Growers UK Organic Certification Body
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Certified Organic by Organic Farmers and Growers UK Organic Certification Body

Hever Tortoise World Organic Certification

HEVER TORTOISE WORLD® - UK'S FIRST CERTIFIED ORGANIC GROWER OF SAFE & EDIBLE PLANTS FOR REPTILES & A CERTIFIED ORGANIC HERBIVOROUS REPTILE HEALTH FOOD STORE

hever tortoise world organic certification with Organic Farmer and Growers

Organic Principles of Horticulture

At Hever Tortoise World we have always been growing Organically. Organic Principles of Horticulture embrace the Respect for Nature, the Understanding of the Natural Processes involved in Plant Growth, and the application of Growing methods that support these processes in the most harmonious and sustainable ways to achieve production of healthy plants.

In practice this means providing the best growing conditions to plants in accordance with where a particular plant species is found in nature, in their wild habitat, in consideration with what these plants need to thrive and be healthy. The use of artificial fertilisers, wetting agents, additional synthetic nutrients have no place in Organic Growing Systems. Neither is the application of herbicides (weed killers), synthetic fungicides or pesticides.

Instead, Organic growing ensures that only natural, organic substances are used in growing media without adding any synthetic materials, and the natural soils are managed using organic compost and mulches derived from nature. Great consideration is given to choosing the right plant for the right place, which ensures that plants grow healthy with strong natural resistance to pests and diseases.

Therefore, the need for pesticides and fungicides is greatly reduced, and only natural methods such as biological controls specific to the pest or disease (lady birds, lacewings, nematodes) and other approved inputs are used in Organic Systems when there is a need. Soil is nourished instead of plants, ensuring that all the beneficial microbes in the soil are happy and, in turn, support the healthy growth of plants.

Organic Methods ensure that no harmful chemicals are used, and that the resulting produce is of the highest quality, grown using sustainable principles and with respect to natural resources, wildlife and with improved biodiversity.

Organic Certification with Organic Farmers & Growers (OF &G)

In 2024 to demonstrate our true commitment to Organic Growing, Hever Tortoise World has made a decision to become officially recognised as a Grower using these Organic Principles of Horticulture by becoming certified with the Organic Farmers and Growers CIC (OF & G) – the UK’s first and oldest Organic Certification Body.

Since May 2024 our Land has been in Conversion to the Full Organic Status in accordance with the EU Regulations as well as the OF&G Specific Organic Standards, governing Organic Producers and Processors. It’s been a long and hard road to the Certification Process, but we are committed to showing our customers that we are officially Certified and Licensed. We are inspected yearly and expected to produce a long list of documents in order to comply with the very strict Organic Standards ensuring traceability of all the Organic ingredients and Organic products we use in our production. Only a small number of permitted inputs (even naturally derived) is allowed in Organic Systems, no synthetic fertilizers, chemical pesticides or fungicides are allowed, nor are herbicides (weed killers). This ensures plant production is as closest to natural as possible.

Our Plant Raising and Potted Plants are already Certified Organic, so you can be confident of our commitment to growing in harmony with nature.

We have now become the UK’s First Certified Organic Plant Grower specifically for Pets.

In addition to producing our own Organic Plants, we source some plants from our trusted partners in the UK who share the same values as us and do not use any harmful chemicals or pesticides on their plants. This reduces our Carbon Footprint, encourages local Biodiversity, produces fresher plants and boosts local economy by supporting not only our family business but also all our suppliers whom we use in the process of growing or sourcing our plants. 

We care about our Planet and have reduced the use of single use plastics by 90%. If we have to use plastic packaging we ensure it is recycled plastic. Please, read our about our Sustainability Policy here.

In addition, we have also become a Certified Organic Processor and Retailer which means we are now able to stock, process and package Certified Organic Dried Flowers, Leaves & Herbs sourced from Certified Organic Producers.

Please, find below links to our Producer and Processor Licences with the OF&G.

Our Organic Plant Production is headed by Natasha (Co-founder and Director of Hever Tortoise World). Natasha has gained several RHS Certificates in Horticulture, Planning, Construction and Garden Design (practical and theoretical, Levels 2 and 3), had work experience at the RHS Garden Wisley, and holds a Master’s Degree (MSc) in Horticulture/Crop Production and Technology (at a Merit level).

ORGANIC PROCESSOR LICENCE
ORGANIC PRODUCER LICENCE
blue forget me not potted plants for tortoises

Our Location

Situated in the stunning tranquil area in the “Garden of England”, nestled between historic market towns of Edenbridge and Hever, Kent, we are minutes away from pleasant countryside walks and a several mile Eden Valley walk which passes through High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty along the banks of River Eden and Medway and Nature Reserves.

There are a number of National Trust Properties nearby to explore including a stunning Sissinghurst Mediterranean Garden (Delos) as part of Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Penshurst Place and Gardens, Standen House and Garden, Wakehurst, Borde Hill Garden, Bateman’s to name but a few. There is an array of Castles to visit from the world famous Hever Castle and Gardens, which is only minutes away by car, Wadhurst Castle, Leeds Castle, Scotney Castle, Sissinghurst Castle and Bodiam Castle.

Less than 25 miles from Central London, we are easily accessible via M25 (Junction 5 or 6). Hever and Edenbridge Town train stations have good links with London and are just a short distance from us.