Sustainability

We aim to provide parks that are considerate of the environment now and in the future by:

• minimising waste by recycling. The main type of waste generated by parks is green waste which is turned into compost for use in the park.   

• using wood chippings for mulching beds where possible to reduce the need for weed killers and to conserve moisture;

• using wetting agents in our hanging baskets and containers to reduce the need for constant watering;

• not using peat at all for planting or soil conditioning and using alternative recycled produces, for example, farm yard manure, and recycled green waste compost;

• recycling the trees by wood shredding or chipping; 

• using plants and bedding from a peat free source;

• using 40% less peat in the hanging baskets and replacing it with bark;

• only using approved non-irritant and low toxicity biodegradable herbicides;

• having a very limited use or no use of pesticides by the Grounds Maintenance team;

• using paint marking materials that do not contain xylene, lead or other toxic pigments for marking out sports areas;

• not using goods containing Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs);

• trying to use goods and materials with minimum packaging or returnable packaging;

• increasing and developing more sustainable planting, for example, naturalised flower bulbs, permanent planting in beds and borders and replacing annual bedding; 

• purchasing any new equipment with low vibration and low noise were possible; 

• using biodegradable engine oil in our machines and other powered equipment where practicable; and

• looking at alternative powered machinery and plant regarding the long term benefits to the environment.