Environment

At Beddow Tree we make sure that our actions have as little impact on the environment as possible, here is a summary of our environmental initiatives:

Energy

• Wood chip generated from tree surgery services is fed into the biomass boiler to provide a renewable energy source for the farm and thus reduces waste disposal.
• All logs are either used for firewood or chipped and used for biomass or transferred into horse bedding.
• Chippers are only run when required and not left running on idol.

 Forestry

• Horse Logging Project:
  For the last 3yrs we have been developing 2x critically endangered Suffolk Punch horses and a small black Cob for use in managing a 35 acre section of National Forest called Hollow Oak Woods in the Ratby area. The horses have to be acquired as young as possible (similar to a Puppy) so that we can work with the human interaction from as early an age as possible. This makes the horses easier to handle and offers us more options in terms of whom can work with them as they mature. The project aims to remove thinnings from the woodland and then maximise the product value to cover the cost of running the horses. Labour will be supplied by the business as part of our forestry operations.

 Waste & Recycling

• Beddow Tree Specialists is a registered Upper Tier waste carrier with the Environment Agency CBDU173234.
• A waste audit is performed to ensure waste materials are reused or recycled as opposed to landfill, recycled materials include: cardboard, paper, metal, plastics.
• Wood chip is used as an energy source to heat the farm via Biomass boiler and dry logs.
• All products that contain hazardous substances are disposed of using hazardous waste provider.
• All paper and envelopes are 100% recycled.
• Flyers are printed on 50% recycled / 50% FSC certified, using Bio Inks.

 Water

• Water run-off from the farm buildings feeds the pond for wildlife in the nearby woodland.

 Transport

• Fuel efficiency is carefully monitored & vehicle routes are carefully planned to reduce fuel wastage.
• Older vehicles are replaced with latest technology engines to reduce emissions; As of June 2022 we have 4 new vehicles.

Chemical Usage

• Chemicals are stored in the following COSHH Regulations and disposed of correctly; chemicals are never tipped down drains, put into streams, vegetation / soil.
• All oil and fuel stored is kept within UN Approved airtight containers and stored in an over spill tray to further minimise risk of contamination with environment.
• We only use chemicals for herbicide / pest control when there is no suitable alternative.
• We only use Plant based 99.9% biodegradable Chainsaw oil. This is particularly important when working near ponds and water courses. Koi ponds and their filters are sensitive to mineral oils and sawdust.

Wildlife

• Beddow has undertaken training for inspecting trees to determine presence of Bats.
• Trees and hedges inspected by crew leaders for nesting birds.
• Donates to charities that rescues wildlife.

 Future aims

• Run more efficient vehicles where possible- One day we hope to use electric vehicles and repeated tests of electric based vehicles is undertaken with the hope that the market will be able to meet our needs for at least the mobile vehicle office by 2025.
• Use plant-based diesel for fleet.

ALSO SEE OUR RACE TO ZERO PLEDGE VIA OUR NEWS