A.E. Roberts Fruitgrower & Nurseryman Limited is a longstanding horticultural company based near Southampton, UK, specializing in fruit trees, soft fruit bushes, nut trees, and ornamental plants. With over a century of experience dating back to 1908, this familyrun nursery has evolved from a mixed farm into a key wholesale supplier, serving garden centres, mailorder businesses, and independent retailers across Britain. Their dedication to quality, biosecurity, and plant health has enabled them to grow more than 300,000 Britishgrown trees annually, adapting their product range and services to changing market demands and horticultural trends.
Historical Evolution
The company began in 1908 when Alfred Edward Roberts established a mixed agricultural venture on Frith Farm in Wickham, Hampshire, producing dairy, pigs, vegetables, and soft fruit. By the 1930s, surplus currants and gooseberries led them to supply Woolworths and launch local van sales. In 1950, the business was formally incorporated as A.E. Roberts (Fruitgrower and Nurseryman) Limited.
Shifting Focus and Growth
Initially prominent in soft fruit and jam production, the company pivoted toward pickyourown fruit during the 1960s. Later decades witnessed a move to nursery stock, especially grafted fruit trees and ornamentals. In 1993, the nursery relocated to a larger site in Shirrell Heath with a 26,000 sq ft packing facility supported by NFU funding.
Current Operations and Products
Today, A.E. Roberts produces over 300,000 trees per year as bareroot and containergrown stock in sizes from liners to 36 L pots.
- Fruit trees: apples, pears, plums, cherries, apricots, nut trees
- Soft fruit bushes: currants, raspberries, strawberries
- Ornamental trees and shrubs
- Perennial vegetables like asparagus and rhubarb
- Planting accessories: mycorrhizal products, tree stakes, ties, rabbit guards
Facilities and Logistics
The main nursery operates from Woodlea Nurseries in Durley, with the registered office recently moved to Hannington Hospital Road, Shirrell Heath, Southampton (SO32 2JR).
Wholesale and Mail-Order Services
A.E. Roberts is a significant player in the mailorder sector, employing parcel and pallet networks to fulfill orders for catalogue and online companies. They also supply wholesale customers using trolleys, pallets, and bespoke stillages.
Business Structure and Financial Snapshot
Registered in 1950, the company remains private and active (Company No. 00480830). It is a microsized entity with turnover below £1 million and total assets around £3 million. As of September 2023, it held approx. £304,000 in net assets and employed around 28 staff.
Ownership and Leadership
The business remains familyowned. Directors and shareholders include David Alan Gwynn, Sabrina Jane Gwynn, and Peter John Gwynn.
Quality, Biosecurity, and Sustainability
A.E. Roberts emphasizes plant health and quality. Their biosecurity policy protects nursery stock, with careful handling to reduce pest and disease risk.
Environmental Responsibility
The nursery supports local scouting groups and, early on, auctioned surplus plants to support 1st Wickham Scouts. Today, partnerships with environmental and agricultural groups reflect a commitment to community and sustainable practices.
Customer and Market Focus
Their customer base includes UK garden centres, independent nurseries, and online retailers. They offer seasonal bareroot trees (NovMar) and yearround potted stock. A comprehensive annual catalogue, downloadable from their website, aids customer selection.
Key Highlights
- Over 115 years of horticultural experience
- Production of over 300,000 Britishgrown trees annually
- Wide product range spanning fruit, nuts, ornamentals, and vegetables
- Robust logistics via parcel, pallet, and stillage systems
- Family-led governance and community engagement
Contact and Accessibility
The nursery welcomes wholesale and mailorder inquiries. Their address and contact details include:
- Registered office: Hannington Hospital Road, Shirrell Heath, Southampton, SO32 2JR
- Nursery: Woodlea Nurseries, Wintershill, Durley, Southampton, SO32 2AH
- Phone: 01329 833588
- Email: sales@aeroberts.co.uk
- Opening hours: MonFri 8:3016:30; deliveries 8:0014:00
A.E. Roberts Fruitgrower & Nurseryman Limited combines deep horticultural roots with modern operations. From its origins in 1908 to today, it remains focused on quality, plant health, and community engagement. With a vast product range and robust distribution, this Southampton-based nursery continues to supply quality Britishgrown fruit trees, bushes, and ornamentals to a wide customer base. Their strong family leadership, biosecurity measures, and sustainable outlook ensure they remain a respected figure in the UK horticultural market.