Environmental Action & Biodiversity
As tree growers, caring for the environment is closely connected to what we do every day. At Deepdale Trees, we take our environmental and biosecurity responsibilities seriously. Our aim is to grow and supply high-quality trees and plants while reducing our carbon footprint, minimising water consumption and waste, and protecting the biodiversity around our nursery.
Since 1995, we have continued to improve the way we grow, irrigate, transport and manage our stock. From renewable energy and carefully controlled irrigation to reusable Air-Pot® containers and responsible plant sourcing, environmental considerations form an important part of how we work.
Biosecurity
Protecting plant health
Healthy plants start with responsible growing and sourcing. Our nursery and stock are regularly inspected by our own experienced team, alongside regular DEFRA inspections.
Plants brought into Deepdale through our selected supply network are fully plant passported. This helps us minimise the risk of introducing pests and diseases and maintain the high plant health standards our customers expect.
Biosecurity is an important part of our responsibility as a UK grower and supplier, particularly as trees and plants continue to move between nurseries and projects across the UK and Europe.
Water
Efficient irrigation with less waste
Healthy plants start with responsible growing and sourcing. Our nursery and stock are regularly inspected by our own experienced team, alongside regular DEFRA inspections.
Plants brought into Deepdale through our selected supply network are fully plant passported. This helps us minimise the risk of introducing pests and diseases and maintain the high plant health standards our customers expect.
Biosecurity is an important part of our responsibility as a UK grower and supplier, particularly as trees and plants continue to move between nurseries and projects across the UK and Europe.
Wildlife
Creating space for biodiversity
Our nursery is not only home to trees and plants. The environment we create also provides habitats for a wide range of local wildlife.
Alongside the many songbirds found throughout the nursery, we regularly see species including grass snakes, lizards and newts. We actively encourage birdlife, which also plays a natural role in controlling insects around the nursery.
Supporting this balance helps us create a healthier and more diverse environment in which our plants can grow.
Herbicides & pesticides
Reducing chemical use where possible
We aim to minimise our use of herbicides and pesticides wherever possible while maintaining the health and quality of our plants.
Natural processes form part of this approach. By encouraging birdlife and other wildlife throughout the nursery, we support natural insect control and contribute to a more balanced growing environment.
Energy
Increasing our use of renewable energy
Our south-facing barn is fitted with solar panels, allowing us to generate renewable electricity directly at the nursery.
All electricity supplied to Deepdale is now sourced from renewable energy sources. This forms part of our wider commitment to continually reducing the environmental impact of our operations.
Materials
Reusing and reducing waste
Our Air-Pot® growing system is an important part of our container production, but it also helps us reduce material waste. Air-Pot® containers are manufactured from recycled plastic and remain at our nursery after trees are prepared for dispatch.
We reuse each container for multiple growing cycles, typically at least five to six times. Once an Air-Pot® can no longer be used, it is sent away for recycling.
Trees are prepared for delivery with their rootballs wrapped in hessian and non-galvanised wire. Both can remain around the rootball during planting and biodegrade naturally, meaning no unnecessary packaging waste is left on site.
Machinery & transport
Reducing our impact beyond the nursery
Every year, we review our working methods, machinery and equipment to identify opportunities to reduce fuel consumption and COâ‚‚ emissions.
Transport is part of that responsibility. Our main haulier is FORS Gold accredited and we work with hauliers local to the nursery wherever possible to reduce unnecessary transport distances.
Where practical, we also combine orders from several customers on the same vehicle. By avoiding partially loaded lorries, we can make deliveries more efficient while reducing fuel consumption.
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