Sustainability at the Heart of Frank P Matthews: Growing a Greener Future

At Frank P Matthews, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword, it is the foundation of everything we do. As one of the UK’s leading tree nurseries, we understand that growing a better future starts with how we treat the planet today. From innovative technology to eco-conscious practices, we’re committed to reducing our environmental footprint while continuing to grow exceptional, healthy and happy trees.

Here are just some of the ways we’re putting sustainability into action:

Rainwater Capture & Recycling

Water is a precious resource, and we use it wisely. Our rainwater harvesting systems collect and store rainfall, which is then used throughout the nursery, cutting down our reliance on mains water and reducing runoff.

Integrated Pest Management

We take a natural approach to pest control using integrated pest management (IPM), which prioritises biological and cultural controls over chemicals. This not only protects our plants but also supports biodiversity. Happy trees, Happy environment.

100% Peat-Free Growing

We’re proud to use a peat-free compost across the nursery. Peatlands are vital carbon sinks, and by moving away from peat-based composts, we help protect these fragile ecosystems and reduce carbon emissions.

Solar Power Generation

Our solar panels provide clean, renewable energy to power the nursery including our cold stores, cutting emissions and helping us move closer to energy independence.

Composting & Mulching Green Waste

Waste not, want not. All green waste from pruning, potting, and other nursery operations is composted on-site and reused as mulch, improving soil health, protecting young roots and reducing landfill use.

Recycling Across the Nursery

From plastics to paper, recycling is embedded into our daily operations. We’re continuously reviewing how we can reduce waste and reuse materials more effectively.

Smart Tech for Energy Efficiency

We’ve adopted intelligent systems and technologies that optimise our energy use, from heating controls to lighting sensors, ensuring we’re only using what we need, when we need it.

Electric Staff Transport

Electric golf buggies are used across our large site to transport staff and materials quietly and without emissions. It’s a small change with a big impact on our carbon footprint.

Paperless Production Systems

By moving to digital systems in our production processes, we’ve significantly cut down on paper waste while streamlining our operations and improving accuracy. Why grow trees to cut them down?

At Frank P Matthews, sustainability isn’t a policy tick box exercise, it is a core value. We’re proud to grow not only the highest quality trees but also a culture of care for the environment, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the beauty and benefits of a greener world.