Environmental responsibility

Recycling

We are committed to recycling and have been for more than fifteen years.

• 100 per cent of our green waste is recycled. This includes leaf collection from parks and highways.
• Woodchip is for sale to local people in large quantities on request and subject to availability.
• Timber that is too large to be chipped is sold to a local merchant to be used as firewood.
• All wild flower meadow grass is baled in October and is traded to a local farmer to use for silage and winter feed.
• All our chainsaws are maintained using biodegradable oil.
• Recycled plastic is used for seating, decking and bridges where appropriate.
• Recycling bins have been installed in West Hoe, Devonport, Freedom Fields Parks and The Hoe.

Enhancing biodiversity

• We create and manage wild flower meadow areas. These are excellent habitat for bees and insects and bat foraging areas. The meadows are only cut once a year and the grass removed. This starves the soil of nutrients which helps the meadow grass and flowers grow better the following year.
• We put up bird and bat boxes wherever possible.
• Invasive species in ponds and waterways are removed to enable native species to flourish and create open water areas for insects and amphibians.
• Where possible, dead trees are left standing and cut wood is left in piles to create habitats for insects, birds and small mammals.
• All our nature reserves have management plans which aim to enhance opportunities for environmental biodiversity.
• In 2010 to 2011 we planted over 4000 saplings. In 2011 to 2012 year we have a community tree planting programme in over 20 spaces. Contact us if you want to get involved.

Other

• All compost that is used in hanging baskets, tower planters and barrier boxes is peat free.
• Flowerbeds are fertilized naturally with chicken manure.
• Parks' sports changing rooms are all fitted with motion sensors to reduce electric use; showers are push buttons to reduce water wastage.
• We have three electric vehicles which are used for maintenance on The Hoe and Central Park.