Environmental and wildlife conservation

Despite the intensive development on the company sites, environmental and wildlife conservation issues are taken very seriously. Advice has been sought from FWAG and the RSPB. A full environmental and conservation audit (maps) has been carried out on all sites and a Nursery Conservation Plan prepared. Hedgerows, ditches and perimeter headlands are managed, wherever possible, in a manner sympathetic to the environment and the conservation and enhancement of wildlife is seriously considered in all decision-making processes.

Peat and its alternatives

Peat-based growing media is only sourced from reputable suppliers. Assurance is sought from suppliers that they follow current guidelines for the conservation of peat bogs and protection of the environment.

Lovania Nurseries Ltd closely follows developments in the use of alternatives to peat and the nursery regularly trials new compost mixes. Following successful trials, our standard compost blend now utilises a reduction in peat usage by 10%. Trials with further reductions in peat (20%) and also the use of other non-peat growing media are ongoing. In 2008 Lovania Nurseries Ltd undertook to use peat-reduced media in all large containers (hanging baskets and planted containers). We now use a media containing 10% flimsby fines (wood bark); this reduced our peat consumption by over 65,000 litres.

Energy use

The company is conscious of the need for prudent use of all energy sources and the Managing Director regularly reviews the total energy use and energy management policy. This applies especially to heating fuels. The company is registered with the Carbon Trust and detailed records of energy use are maintained for Climate Change Levy returns and for nursery management purposes. In the light of increasing fuel costs, cropping schedules were modified in 2005 and are now being revised annually. All heating equipment, machinery and vehicles are serviced regularly by our own highly-trained maintenance team to ensure efficient and reliable operation.

An Energy Audit, carried out under the Action Energy programme, indicated very efficient use of energy and highlighted only small potential savings. The Audit is regularly reviewed on the light of changing circumstances. Energy efficiency is an important consideration when purchasing any new machinery/equipment or vehicles. A new irrigation pump, incorporating energy efficient, variable speed, pumping controls was installed in 2006. A new compressor, saving variable speed motor and drive was installed in November 2007. In 2008 we enlarged our sand filtration unit to reduce irrigation pump load even further.

Solar Energy Capture

In July 2012, we installed 200 solar panels to harness energy from the sun. Our photo voltaic cells will generate energy to power our automated transplanters and office facilities, helping the environment and reducing our energy costs.

Water Use

The company takes a proactive approach to the efficient use of water. The findings of a water audit, funded by DEFRA and carried out by ADAS, are being implemented where appropriate. Crop requirements for water are carefully assessed before any irrigation is applied. ‘Controlled’ irrigation is used to achieve the desired crop growth rather than rely on the use of chemical plant growth regulators.

Rainwater is collected from the glasshouse roofs and is stored in open, butyl-lined reservoirs. There is provision to top up with mains water during periods of maximum demand, if required. Analysis is carried out regularly (the aim is twice per year) for both nutrient and microbiological content.
All irrigation spray-lines have been upgraded using Dan blue/green nozzles (considered to offer the most efficient and even water distribution). All of our irrigation equipment receives regular maintenance. Staff are instructed to report any nozzle failures, drips, leaks etc. immediately.

Water run-off from the concrete yard areas is collected into a holding tank where it is allowed to settle. The clear water is then reused. Steps are taken to minimise the risk of contamination/pollution. Sediment that accumulates in the holding tank is removed and disposed of safely. Mains water use is regularly monitored (meter readings) to pinpoint any leakage.

Water storage facilities at our “Green” site were substantially upgraded recently with the installation of a new butyl-lined storage tank for collection of rainwater. There is provision to top up with mains water during periods of high demand, if required. The Code of Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Water is followed, as applicable, on all of our nurseries.

Pollution safeguards

Fuel oils, pesticides and concentrated nutrient stock solutions are all stored in accordance with current guidelines, including the Code of Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Water. (In practice only small quantities of approved pesticides and concentrated nutrient solutions are held on site.)

Where liquid fertilisers are required, mobile dilution equipment is used around the nursery site. Only small quantities of stock solution are involved. Nutrient levels in nursery run-off are kept to a minimum.

Routine analysis of glasshouse soils is carried before planting soil grown crops. Previous analysis has established regular patterns of nutrient pattern. This policy has been extended, where necessary, to include pack bedding and pot plant compost. A pollution risk assessment has been carried out and will be reviewed on a regular basis.

Environmental pollution

The company has carried out a comprehensive Pollution Risk Assessment (which is subject to annual review). The audit applies to all sites on which the company operates. Heating equipment is serviced regularly to minimise the risk of airborne pollution. It is company policy to comply with the Code of Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Air.

There is a programme for regular maintenance and repairs of all nursery equipment, machinery, vehicles and buildings. Service agreements exist with the suppliers of most machinery e.g. tractors are routinely serviced by reputable machinery dealers. The service engineers are responsible for the safe disposal of all waste oils. All of our five fork lift trucks are also covered by a service agreement. Heating fuel oils are sourced from local companies that are experienced in the supply and delivery of high quality fuels to our industry.

Pesticides are only used by appropriately trained and qualified staff; this ensures that all possible care is taken to minimise any pollution risk.

Care is taken to ensure that working practices cause the minimum of disruption to our neighbours, especially outside normal working hours.

Our company endeavours to comply fully with the Codes of Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Soil, Water and Air, and all other relevant legislation.

Recycling

Our Company has a policy of using recycled and recyclable materials where it is economically possible to do so. Production processes aim to keep waste to a minimum. All waste materials are disposed of in a safe and environmentally-friendly way, recycling wherever possible. A waste audit has been carried out and is subject to annual review.

Items such as pallets, carry/shuttle trays and pots will be reused where this does not compromise nursery hygiene. Young plant trays are returned to the raisers. Waste materials, such as broken glass, metal, cardboard and plastics are segregated and recycled.

Two balers have recently been installed to aid recycling of cardboard and plastics. Cardboard (approx 50 – 60 bales /year is recycled. Plastic (polyeurethane, polystyrene) (35 – 40 bales/year) is recycled.

Waste and waste disposal

A company waste audit has been carried out and is subject to annual review. Company policy is to comply with all relevant legislation. The implications of the Agricultural Waste Regulations (2006) are currently being implemented including registration of the relevant exemptions. Company policy is to keep waste to a minimum. All waste materials will be disposed of in a safe and environmentally friendly way, recycling wherever possible.

Lovania identify specific types and quantities of waste under the headings of recyclable waste related to cropping. The company also meets the requirements as laid out by the European Union Directive on Packaging and Packaging Waste 94/62/EC.
Government and Lovania Nurseries Ltd policy hierarchy is:

Avoid → Reduce → Reuse → Recycle → Dispose

All non-recyclable waste is disposed of by licensed waste companies. Small quantities of ‘green’ waste are composted in a local site. Crop waste is subject to assessment under the terms of the Code of Practice for the Management of Agricultural and Horticultural Waste. In the event of having to dispose of any plant material infected with notifiable or non-indigenous pest or disease, the company would comply fully with the requirements of the PHSI.

Only licensed contractors are used for the disposal of any non recyclable waste. Lovania have adopted a new policy of sorting and holding waste, only bringing disposal skips on site when there is sufficient waste to fill them.  It is policy to inspect the licence of all waste disposal contractors before skips are hired. All skips are covered to prevent contamination.