Nature's Own

Hay and natural accessories for small animals from Devon

Nature's Own is a family business based at Newlands Farm, near Winkleigh, in North Devon (United Kingdom). The family has worked the area since the 1950s as sheep farmers and expanded into the hay and straw business in 1991. Its catalogue is aimed at rabbits, guinea pigs and small animals, with products presented as 100% natural, with no pesticides, additives or harmful by-products.

Production on its own farm

The hay and straw are grown on the farm itself, in Devon fields. The company says it has set aside areas of the farm where wildflowers, purple orchids and herbs grow naturally, with the aim of protecting the landscape and encouraging wildlife. The firm combines modern production and packaging methods with the use of traditional natural produce.

Catalogue: hay, snacks and care

The shop organises its range into several categories: premium hay, nibbles and treats, herbs, health and home, playtime, food, starter packs, bulk botanicals and bundles. Among the standout products in the catalogue are:

• Devon Meadow Hay XL (3.5 kg)
• Sweet Green Hay (3.5 kg)
• Timothy Rich 5 a Day Hay (1 kg)
• Timothy Rich with dandelion and marigold (1 kg)
• Hay Cookies (1 kg pack)
• Oat Cookies (8 cookies per 100 g pack)
• Nibble Stix with carrot and dandelion (2 stix per 150 g pack)
• Forage Bar with flower petals (40 g bar)
• Hay n Play Rose (playbox)
• Large Softwood Shavings (approx. 3 kg)
• Flaked Peas (130 g bag)
• Calm and Clean (500 ml)

The site listed prices for these items, with free shipping on orders over £24.95 and a £5.99 charge on lower orders. Orders placed before 11:30 am Monday to Friday could be dispatched the same day, subject to availability.

Sustainability and energy

The company describes several environmental measures on its farm: replacing plastic materials with compostable alternatives, such as cellulose to wrap the Forage Bars or potato starch for the airtight packaging of Sweet Green Hay. On the roof of its manufacturing barn it has a 175 kW solar installation that covers a large part of its electricity consumption, and biomass boilers fuelled by locally produced wood chips that serve the hay drying facility.

Direct sales and support for animal rescues

Nature's Own sells through its online shop, with separate accounts for individuals and for trade, and has stockists. The company runs an affiliate programme through which part of customers' spending goes to small animal rescues, with 5% of the purchase amount going to the chosen organisation.

Team and farm activity

The firm describes a team dedicated to developing new treats in its treat creation area, warehouse staff who prepare orders and customer service from the office above the manufacturing barn. The Hay Diaries section features content about life at Newlands Farm, with episodes such as taking part in the 2023 Bideford Soapbox Derby or a fire suffered by the company.

Location and contact

Newlands Farm, Dowland, Winkleigh, Devon EX19 8PQ · Phone: 01805 804422 · Email: enquiries@naturesownpets.co.uk