Again, the small size of the crop makes possible what would be unworkable in a larger coffee concern. The plantations on the island are run to organic standards, even though the remoteness of St. Helena has thus far meant that no official certification has been undertaken. An unique feature of St. Helena coffee is the use of guano, the droppings of sea birds as a natural fertiliser. The properties of guano have long been valued in agriculture, and St. Helena is fortunate in having a particularly rich source on a nearby island. It is used sparingly in diluted form, as it is extremely strong in its effects.
Lush greenery contrasts with the stark grandeur of Sandy Bay, the remains of a vast volcanic crater.
St. Helena ebony trees and She Cabbage trees, thought to have died out but only recently rediscovered. It is the intention of Mr. Henry that as well as acting as a spur to the island's agriculture, his coffee initiative should set the example for good organic husbandry and ecological awareness on the island. He has been in consultation with Kew Gardens about how to best implement this initiative. The rolling hills inland, reminiscent of the English countryside a hundred years ago The island also benefits from an extremely pure natural environment. The air quality is recognised as amongst the best in the world, and only spring water from the island's peaks is used for wet-processing the coffee.