We are proud to have been recognised for our environmental efforts through the following awards and certifications.
Certificates
Plant Healthy
Hillier have an internal Plant Health Assurance process to ensure good practice in our purchasing and growing processes, with full documentation and record keeping giving traceability. Hillier are audited and certificated under the DEFRA backed Plant Healthy scheme.
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ISO14001
In 2019, Hillier Nurseries was awarded ISO 14001 accreditation and achieved the accreditation again in 2024, marking 5 years.
This is a globally recognised standard and forms the core of our production principles. The accreditation provides an agreed framework to follow regarding Environmental Management Systems.
It indicates that a company is having less of an impact on the environment and has strong systems in place.
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Planet Mark
In 2018, Hillier joined The Planet Mark.
This is a certification programme that recognises companies committing to continuous improvements in sustainability.
Through it, companies can measure and find opportunities to reduce carbon emissions, energy and water consumption, waste and more.
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UK & Ireland Sown & Grown
Hillier have been accredited with the UKISG since 2019 with a rigorous annual audit to ensure accredited nurseries grow to the highest biosecurity standards and are genuine producers of British grown trees.
Awards
HTA Grower of the Year – Plant Producer of the Year 2025
As Plant Producer of the Year, Hillier is proud to be recognised for our heritage, quality, and innovation as one of the UK’s leading tree and plant producers. From tree trials to plant breeding breakthroughs, we are constantly driving horticultural excellence while maintaining our commitment to environmental responsibility. This award celebrates not just our plants, but our people – passionate growers dedicated to sustainability, biodiversity, and creating a greener, more resilient future for generations to come.
HTA Grower of the Year – Life Beyond Peat 2025
Winning the Life Beyond Peat award recognises our pioneering role in peat-free growing and sustainable horticultural innovation. At Hillier, we’ve invested heavily in peat-free trials and alternative growing media, sharing our expertise to support the wider industry in transitioning to 100% peat-free practices. Reaching 100% peat-free production is not the finish line for us – it’s just the beginning. Our mission is to lead the way towards a more sustainable future for UK horticulture, ensuring that every plant we grow contributes to the health of our planet.
HTA Grower of the Year – Blooming Marvellous Employer 2025
This award celebrates organisations that truly put people at the heart of their success, and at Hillier Nurseries, that’s exactly who we are. Our commitment to our people runs through everything we do, from long standing team members mentoring the next generation to investing in apprenticeships, leadership training, and employee wellbeing initiatives.
Sustainability Supplier of the Year Award
In 2024, Hillier received the Supplier award at the Pro Landscaper Sustainability and Biodiversity Awards. This award recognises our commitment to providing a sustainable product and services to the landscaping industry. Judges evaluated our production practices, material selection, and certifications, as well as how sustainability is woven into broader business goals. The award highlights our dedication to promoting sustainability and biodiversity throughout their operations and in collaboration with clients and partners to educate, engage, and inspire.
Memberships
Horticultural Trades Association
We are proud and active members of the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) since 2010. We are Full Sustainability Roadmap Supporters, reflecting our long-term commitment to responsible growing and environmental leadership. Our expertise also helps shape the industry with Hillier team members contributing to key HTA committees, including Ornamentals Management, Ornamentals Technical, and Amenity Suppliers.
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British Association of Landscaping Industries
Since 2022 Hillier have been British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) Accredited Suppliers. This means that commercial landscape contractors, garden designers, and the public recognise Hillier as the industries professional choice. Hillier aim to enhance all aspects of the horticulture industry, raising standards and promoting collaboration, with BALI providing the perfect platform for this. As BALI members, Hillier are committed to delivering the highest quality, specialist products and services.
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See Our Other Environmental Efforts
Biosecurity
There is a real and extremely serious threat to our environment from imported pests and diseases, some of which are coming into the UK on imported trees.
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Planet Mark
Hillier Nurseries are members of The Planet Mark. This is a certification programme that recognises companies committing to continuous improvements in sustainability.
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Peat Free Nurseries
Hillier Trees nurseries have now been peat free for several years. We use a mixture of bark, sylva fibre and 10-15% composted green waste.
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Reservoir & Irrigation
Our reservoir captures water from our nursery and a nearby housing estate, and is filtered, cleaned and treated on site.
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Ecosystem & Wildlife
We actively promote practices that can enhance the ecosystem and have the potential to bolster the population of these precious creatures.
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Pests & Diseases
Understand more about the pests and diseases that are affecting British trees and what Hillier are doing to support our clients when selecting trees.
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