Enviromental Policy
We
all understand of the impact that gardening and the garden industry has on the
environment and we aim to help our business and our customers to reduce our
part in it. We also support our local communities in their efforts by helping
local schools in creating more green space and free talks and advice about all
aspects of gardening.
We
do this by offering organic alternatives to chemicals, encouraging our
customers to only use chemical conditioners, pest and weed control when
necessary to reduce the input of chemicals into the ecosystem.
Our
knowledgeable plants department can also offer advice on how to solve many
gardening problems in eco friendly ways, as well as which plants would best suit
the soil and weather conditions of your garden to avoid plant wastage and the
need for soil enhancements. We also stock a selection of products to promote
recycling any garden waste that does occur into the natural goodness of home
made compost.
We
promote the collection and storage of water, with water buts and dripper
systems, to help combat dry British summers with minimal effect on national
reserves. We feel it is also important to encourage the creation of wildlife
friendly spaces within gardens to recreate some of the natural habitats being
lost to development. We have a large range of products to help introduce and
maintain wildlife in our gardens.
Peat
Policy:
At
Blackdown Garden Centre we aim to
provide the best possible resources for our customers, helping their gardens to
flourish and gardeners to enjoy them. We offer a wide range of composts to suit
all your gardening needs.
We
understand that peat based composts offer affordable, tried and tested growing
mediums and that many gardeners still want them, however we are aware of the
environmental impact of their use. This is why we feel it is essential to also
offer excellent reduced peat and peat free alternatives, a range that is
constantly expanding.
We
support and encourage the efforts of our suppliers to reduce the peat content
in their products, in developing alternatives and regenerating used peat fields
and mire to create a sustainable future for the industry.
For
more information on these efforts please feel free to visit our suppliers’
websites:
FSC Policy:
The
Forest Stewardship Council is a non-governmental, international organization
set up to address environmental concerns about deforestation and wood
production and to responsibly manage the world forests.
We try to source FSC certified materials
wherever possible for all of our wood products. Many of our suppliers are
already use FSC certified sources, such as most of our range of Gardman garden
products and nearly all of their nest boxes and bird tables and many of our
range of tools. Our Alexander Rose garden furniture and Jagram and Forest
fencing products are all completely FSC compliant.
Any items in our sundries shop which are
FSC compliant will bear the FSC logo.
Recycling
Policy:
At
Blackdown Garden Centre we feel strongly
about our environmental responsibilities, we recycle all plastic, cardboard,
wood and metal from our deliveries and stock. Any wooden pallets are returned
to suppliers or recycled on site.
Although
we do provide plastic bags for our customers’ convenience we also offer bags
for life, cardboard boxes and plastic trays as practical, eco friendly
alternatives and encourage our customers to reuse or recycle each option.
Our
Restaurant recycles all plastic, cardboard and tins, as well as using a local
company to recycle all waste glass..
Our
plant department recycles all plant waste into compost, currently being used to
grow hedging around the site to create wildlife and environmentally friendly
boundaries. Some of the wood is also reused to create habitats for our reptiles
and birds.
Wildlife Friendly Plants:
We
offer an extensive range of wildlife friendly plants to suit all conditions and
needs, from attracting animals and insects into your garden to natural
repellants to help keep cats and pests out. Please ask any of our plant team
for advice on which plants to use to create nature and environmentally friendly
gardens.
We
also stock a large range of organic chemical free feeds, repellants and pest
control for your garden in our sundries shop. We offer a wide range of insect,
bat and bird boxes to help create wildlife friendly habitats in your garden.
Local Suppliers:
Wherever possible we source our plants,
animals and ingredients from local suppliers and encourage our staff and
customers to do the same.
Water
Usage
It
is important to be environmentally aware and conserve water, especially in the
dry summer months, however we still like to see our gardens lush and healthy.
We can achieve this by collecting rain and surface water throughout the year by
using water buts in the garden or connected to drain pipes to water our plants
and lawns. All the equipment you will need is available in our sundries section
in a wide range of sizes and designs, suitable for all needs and tastes. We
also supply dripper and automated watering systems which reduce the quantity of
water used whilst still meeting your gardens needs which are also available in
our sundries shop.
Several exemplar water butts are set up around the plant sections of the centre as part of our own efforts. We also use some water from a natural stream on site to help control our mains water use in the summer months.
