Otter Garden Centres has enhanced its footprint in the southwest with the acquisition of Whitehall Garden Centre in Whitchurch, near Bristol. This marks the eighth site to join Otter’s expanding portfolio, which remains deeply rooted in family values and sustainable practices.
Whitehall Garden Centre, founded by the Self family in 1970, has been a staple of the community for over five decades. Now in its fourth generation, the business shares a similar ethos with Otter Garden Centres, which was established in 1964 by Malcolm and Marilyn White and is currently led by the third generation of the founding family.
Jacqui Taylor, Managing Director of Otter Garden Centres, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition: “We have long admired the Self family’s dedication to running an independent, family-focused business. What truly attracted us was how closely Whitehall’s principles align with our own commitment to family values, exceptional customer service, quality, and sustainability. Our expanded nurseries will enable us to supply fresh, home-grown plants to the Whitchurch centre, which we know our customers will appreciate.”
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In a move demonstrating continuity and respect for the existing team, Otter confirmed that all current staff, including the centre manager, will retain their roles with no immediate operational changes planned for the Whitchurch site.
Jacqui added, “We warmly welcome the Whitehall team and their customers into the Otter family. We look forward to fostering strong community ties and continuing to serve the many loyal customers in the area.”
Claire Self, Director of Whitehall Garden Centres, conveyed her gratitude to her longstanding staff: “We want to sincerely thank our dedicated team who have contributed so much to Whitehall’s success. We wish them all the best as the store embarks on its new journey with Otter.”
Otter Garden Centres now operates eight locations including Ottery St Mary, Torquay, Plymouth, Lymington, Wincanton, Taunton, Bishopsteignton, and the newly acquired Whitchurch site. Known for sustainable horticulture, Otter ceased chemical treatments three decades ago, embracing biological controls instead. They have also implemented eco-friendly technologies such as solar panels, biomass boilers, rainwater harvesting systems, and are transitioning to peat-free composts.
Continuing as a family-owned business, the company includes Malcolm and Marilyn’s daughters, Jacqui Taylor and Cathy White, alongside grandchildren Sabine Jary, Arron Taylor, and Lara White in leadership positions — ensuring their family legacy grows greener with each generation.