To help maintain sustainability for future generations we operate a highly efficient, self-reliant water recycling programme.

• Our 3.5 million gallon reservoir (built in 1976) helps reduce our environmental impact
• Rain and run-off from the centre and car parks is collected in the reservoir
• Water is filtered and reused to irrigate our nurseries and plant area
• We’re trialling an automatic watering system to improve efficiency and labour
• Investing in more capillary matting to keep plants moist for longer

We are committed to our Green Footprints and continually review and research new opportunities for improvement. We aim to reduce our own carbon footprint and by growing almost 60% of our plants at our on-site nurseries we have cut our transport requirements — another small step in helping the environment and the world around us.

Changes in the way we live and modern lifestyles can affect natural habitats. We’re committed to initiatives that help redress the balance.

• We are sourcing more eco-friendly, vegan and organic products
• 5+ acres planted with indigenous local trees; 1,000+ saplings as part of our 10-year vision
• We have replaced our lightbulbs with low-energy LEDs
• We actively promote creating wildlife habitats at home
• We’re committed to national peat reduction targets; we encourage peat-free choices — read our Peat Policy
• We encourage customers to grow their own fruit and vegetables
• We promote alternative soil improvers: organic fertiliser, chicken poultry manure, home compost bins, and our complimentary coffee granule station

Keeping fit and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be achieved in many ways. We encourage our customers to discover what’s right for them and enjoy the benefits.

• Gardening is great exercise engaging major muscle groups and helping reduce stress
• Garden Explorers encourages children to learn about gardening and the outdoors
• Our dining destinations use high-quality, local ingredients with organic, gluten-free and healthy choices daily
• Houseplants support wellbeing in homes, schools and workplaces

We support our local community and work with them to maintain a strong and healthy society.

• Support for schools and local initiatives, especially outdoor activities
• Annual Bents Charity of the Year with fundraising across the centre
• Participation in national initiatives such as Macmillan Coffee Morning and Comic Relief
• Bents’ Community Allotments – 40 plots for local gardeners to grow and harvest seasonal produce
• Weeping Ash – a celebrated local garden (one of Cheshire’s Gardens of Distinction), created by John Bent

We believe in trading fairly and responsibly with all of our suppliers, from local sources to those further afield.

• Where possible, we buy from local suppliers and grow relationships to strengthen supply chains
• Ladies Evenings and Meet the Makers events give local companies a platform to showcase their products
• Many furniture and landscaping products are from sustainable sources; we work toward FSC or similar accreditation where appropriate
• We produce more in our in-house kitchens, reducing food miles and our carbon footprint
• Any edible leftover food from our dining destinations is donated to a local Leigh homeless shelter

If you have questions about our green initiatives or want advice on sustainable gardening, our Customer Care team is here to help.

heretohelp@bents.co.uk