Pictured above: British Hardwood Tree Nursery managing director Andrew Henderson

Tree and hedging specialist, the British Hardwood Tree Nursery, is ahead of the game - as preparations for a major agricultural event gather pace. 

The Snitterby nursery is among the first to make its mark on a giant site at Boothby Graffoe, near Lincoln, where farming company Patrick Dean Ltd is to host Cereals 2011, on June 15 and 16.

British Hardwood managing director Andrew Henderson is in upbeat mood after winning a highly-prized contract, which has seen the company plant 2,000 metres of hedgerow plants at the Cereals site. 

The deal has also boosted confidence at the nursery, which has found itself deluged with orders from farmers, park owners and even football clubs, after December's horrendous weather created a testing time for forestry and horticultural businesses. 

Work done at the Cereals site will create an impressive and welcoming entrance area for the 25,000-plus visitors who are expected to attend this popular technical event for the arable industry.

The event, which features 64 hectares of trade stands, manned by 450 suppliers, will also help to talk British Hardwood Tree Nursery's name to an even-wider audience.

"We have planted 2,000 metres of new hedgerow at the site. We have mainly supplied Hawthorn saplings, complemented by a mix of Field Maple, Hazel, Spindleberry, Guelder Rose and Dogrose varieties, which have all been protected with Tubex Easywraps," said Mr Henderson. 

"We have customers across the UK, but it is particularly pleasing to work closely with another local business. The resulting hedgerow will be the first thing that visitors to Cereals 2011 see."

Mr Henderson added that the nursery staff have been run off their feet, after a slow start to the traditional tree-planting season, at the end of last year. 

"January was absolutely manic and February and March has seen that trend continue. Saleswise, we are ahead of the game compared to the same time in 2010 and our growers are right behind us," he added. 

Patrick Dean Ltd managing director David Knott said: "We have used the British Hardwood Tree Nursery for the first time this year and have found their professional service very rewarding.

"We had a specific contract that needed completing on time, and with exacting aspirations and it was completed on time, within budget and above expectations.

"We would have no hesitation in using them again in the future and would be happy to recommend them to anyone requiring a professional, friendly service," added Mr Knott.