Our History

Tawny Nurseries has been a family run business for over 30 years. It began life in 1977 when Derek and Phyllis Howell purchased a bare field, and after witnessing a Tawny Owl flying across it decided to name it Tawny Nurseries. Its first purpose was as a commercial lettuce and tomato farm, however with their experience as bedding plant horticulturalists from their first nursery in Batchmere, Derek and Phyllis started to produce the superb bedding plants and hanging baskets that Tawny Nurseries is known for today.

In addition to the experience taken from the nursery in Batchmere, Derek and Phyllis also took the glass from the greenhouses, which went on to be built into the greenhouses at Tawny Nursery, some of which still stand today.

The next step in the Tawny story was the development of the caravan site. It was started by Phyllis in the mid 80's to generate pin money (similar to pocket money). Initially only rallies were held onsite, with approximately 17 a year. The site was then expanded to include a 5 CL site for Caravan Club members. More recently, the caravan site has expanded further, with a licence for 35 touring caravans having been obtained.

Tawny continues to be a family-run business today, with Adrian having taken over from his parents, and sister Gloria taking on the role of manager. Derek can still often be found pottering around as well as doing stints on the till!