PRO Supplier

Agrovista Amenity has played a pivotal role in one of the UK's most sustainable highway planting projects, by supplying biodegradable alternatives for a large-scale landscaping effort led by Leicester City Council. The project, commissioned by Leicestershire County Council Highways, involved planting over 8,000 trees along a newly widened road, with a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability and plastic-free solutions.

The project, led by Tony Mason, Trees and Woodlands Officer at Leicester City Council, ran from January to March this year. It focused on restoring and stabilising the roadside with native plants while reducing the environmental impact of such large-scale work.

Sustainable Solutions with Agrovista Amenity’s Expertise

Agrovista Amenity provided a comprehensive package of sustainable products, including Tree Hugger guards, jute mulch mats, bamboo pegs, and locally sourced whips. These materials were carefully chosen to align with the project's environmental goals, particularly the commitment to avoiding plastic.

13114724477?profile=RESIZE_584xEd Smith, Landscape and IVM Manager at Agrovista Amenity, explained the motivation behind using biodegradable alternatives: "When Tony approached me about the project and we discussed using biodegradable options, it just made sense. It’s counterproductive to make a positive environmental impact by planting trees and shrubs, only to spoil it with plastic shelters that eventually become unsightly and a disposal burden. Tree Hugger guards, for instance, offer a long-term, cost-effective solution without the need for removal, and they blend seamlessly into the natural landscape."

The Tree Hugger guards, made from organic cotton substrate coated in FSC-certified pine rosin, are fully biodegradable and designed to last a minimum of five years. Manufactured in Accrington by BMP Tree Hugger, a company with over a century of experience in cotton processing, these guards not only protect young trees from browsing animals but also promote healthy growth. "The cotton material is breathable, reducing the 'greenhouse effect' associated with plastic, which can stress the plant," Ed added.

In addition to the guards, biodegradable jute mulch mats were used for weed suppression, anchored with bamboo pegs. This approach eliminated the need for chemical weed control, further reducing the environmental impact. "We talk about environmental sustainability, and this project is a perfect example of what that looks like in practice. By preventing future problems, such as the costly removal of plastic guards, we're ensuring that this is likely the most sustainable highway planting job conducted in the UK," Ed said.


A Significant Environmental Impact

The decision to go plastic-free has had a considerable positive effect on the environment. By opting for biodegradable materials, the project has prevented approximately 700kg of plastic from being introduced into the environment—the equivalent of around 35,000 plastic bottles (330ml). This achievement underlines the importance of sustainable practices in large-scale landscaping projects.

Challenges and Successes

Tony Mason, reflecting on the project, said, "The roadwork alterations were completed two years ago, but the landscape scheme wasn’t finished. When we took on the project, we needed a reliable supplier who could provide everything we required, and Agrovista Amenity was able to meet all our needs. Their products arrived on time and in excellent condition, allowing us to start the planting work in mid-January. Given the scale of the project, working on 60-70 mph roads was a new challenge for our team, but with the right training, we completed the work by early March, and the client was really pleased with the results."

Despite the scale and complexity of the project, the Leicester City Council team managed to keep the environmental impact low by minimising travel and conducting all planting work manually using wheelbarrows.

This project sets a benchmark for sustainable practices in highway landscaping, demonstrating that with the right approach and materials, significant environmental benefits can be achieved without compromising on quality or effectiveness.

For more information about Agrovista UK, visit www.agrovista.co.uk/amenity

Votes: 0
E-mail me when people leave their comments –

You need to be a member of Landscape Juice Network to add comments!

Join Landscape Juice Network

Open forum activity

Fusion Media posted a blog post
Agrovista Amenity has played a pivotal role in one of the UK's most sustainable highway planting projects, by supplying biodegradable alternatives for a large-scale landscaping effort led by Leicester City Council. The project, commissioned by…
2 hours ago
Paul Fisher is now a member of Landscape Juice Network
3 hours ago
Fusion Media posted a blog post
Roehampton Club, a prestigious multi-sports and social club in southwest London, has embraced sustainable practices with the introduction of two Dennis ES-860 battery-powered mowers.Head Groundsman Simon Bailey and the grounds team have welcomed…
3 hours ago
Landscape Juice replied to Peter sellers's discussion Spam
"Hi Peter,
Not seen the emails myself, but you are doing the right thing by seeing them as junk and just deleting them.
I suppose they will send millions of message and sadly they only need one person to fall victime to profit."
3 hours ago
Edward baker replied to Edward baker's discussion Rough cut mower recommendations
"Thanks all.  I'll look into the ones you suggest, I've seen a billy goat one, wrist it was 500 ! Id be interested in the turf Tec one too, let me know if you have one "
13 hours ago
James Wright is now a member of Landscape Juice Network
17 hours ago
Graham Taylor replied to Tim Bucknall's discussion Moss and algae on hard surfaces
"Benzalconium Chloride is really the stuff to use    https://trade-chem.co.uk/bac50/bac50-benzalkonium-chloride/     1.5 litres in 15-20 litres of water treats roughly 100 square metres. Algoclear uses the same basic ingredients at a slightly lower…"
19 hours ago
Nick @ NM Garden Services Ltd replied to Tim Bucknall's discussion Moss and algae on hard surfaces
"We use Algoclear Pro or Mac HiPower from Progreen. Both are 40% DDAC and very effective. Quick and easy to apply with a Dosatron unit but otherwise a knapsack sprayer can be used."
23 hours ago
Fusion Media posted a blog post
Cutting Edge Grounds Maintenance, a leading provider of grounds maintenance services, has selected MM40 from Mansfield Sand as its preferred choice of sand for sports pitch maintenance.Established by industry expert Joshua Blackburn in 2021, Cutting…
23 hours ago
Fusion Media posted a blog post
Ramsey Golf and Bowls Club in Cambridge, is experiencing remarkable improvements in turf health and playability thanks to the SISIS Maxislit.Head Greenkeeper Richard Shilling, who has dedicated 35 years to the club, highlights how this aerator is…
yesterday
Tim Bucknall posted a discussion
Does anyone have recommendations for products that actually work?  I find several of them work if conditions are perfect, but not otherwise.  We used to use Jeyes in the winter, but that's now practically washing up liquid.  Block Blitz from QVC is…
yesterday
Adam Woods replied to Adam Woods's discussion Fence post auger
"Hmm, thank you Pauk"
yesterday
Andy Harrold posted a discussion
DAX Industries Professional Remote Controlled Slope MowerLooking for a new competative edge for your business?This mower will devour Nettles, Brambles, Bracken, Small Whin and Gorse bushes and even small trees.Operates on tracks on slopes up to 45…
yesterday
Peter sellers replied to M Olsson's discussion First year for trading with zero prior experience
"Wise words, we have had an accountant from day 1. More essential than a mower !"
Wednesday
Tim Wallach replied to M Olsson's discussion First year for trading with zero prior experience
"A suggestion/ question: have you considered an accountant for your tax return?  For the first few years I completed my own online form.  Then the anecdotes from my chimney sweep about the allowed expenses that can be identified by a tax person began…"
Tuesday
Peter sellers replied to M Olsson's discussion First year for trading with zero prior experience
"I get a feeling of deja vu reading your reply ! I started with a hatchback car and second hand mower for the same reason - more income, business kept growing and van became essential which became my only form of transport for a few years before…"
Tuesday
More…

Spam

Has anyone else on the forum received spam emails from SEO companies addressed to LJN saying they can improve LJN's google ranking, they are not aimed at us and am puzzled why we are receiving this junk from these scum bags.

Read more…
1 Reply · Reply by Landscape Juice 3 hours ago
Views: 15