Our Sustainability & Ethics

At Umber Garden Design Ltd, sustainability and ethical practice are at the heart of everything we do.
As Warwickshire Garden Designers, we believe our local gardens should not only be beautiful but also resilient, biodiverse, and environmentally responsible.
Our approach combines thoughtful design, sustainable materials, and long-term stewardship to create landscapes that support both people and nature.

1. Our Environmental Commitment

We recognise our responsibility to reduce our environmental impact and continually improve our sustainability performance.
We aim to lead by example within the garden design and landscape sector by:

• Designing for biodiversity – Incorporating pollinator-friendly planting, wildlife habitats, and water sources into every project.

• Minimising waste – Reusing, recycling, or composting green waste wherever possible, and sourcing reclaimed or locally produced materials.

• Reducing carbon footprint – Planning logistics efficiently, selecting local suppliers, and minimising unnecessary travel and fuel consumption.

• Sustainable material choices – Prioritising materials with low embodied energy, such as FSC-certified timber, natural stone, and UK-sourced aggregates.

• Water-wise design – Using drought-tolerant planting, rainwater harvesting, and permeable surfaces to reduce reliance on irrigation.

2. Ethical Sourcing and Supply Chain

We work only with suppliers and subcontractors who share our commitment to sustainability, fair labour, and responsible sourcing.
Wherever possible, we:

• Select UK-grown plants and locally quarried or manufactured materials.

• Avoid suppliers that engage in exploitative labour practices or unsustainable harvesting.

• Specify materials certified by recognised environmental standards (e.g. FSC, PEFC, or equivalent).

3. Social and Community Values

We believe in contributing positively to our local community and supporting ethical employment practices.
This includes:

• Providing fair pay, safe working conditions, and equal opportunities to all employees and contractors.

• Supporting local nurseries, craftspeople, and independent businesses.

• Offering educational opportunities and community engagement through sustainable garden design and management.

4. Examples of Sustainable Practice

Our sustainability policy is rooted in practical, on-site action.
Here are a few examples of how we apply these values in our projects:

• Material Reuse:
  When redesigning established gardens, we often identify existing stone, brick, or timber that can be cleaned, resized, and reused. This reduces waste and preserves the garden’s character.
  For example, we have saved materials from dismantled terraces and incorporated them into new paths and retaining walls, maintaining continuity while lowering embodied carbon.

• Soil Conservation:
  In several projects, we’ve specified new topsoil only to find the existing soil was healthy and suitable. Rather than replace it, we carried out soil assessments, minimised compaction by managing machinery access, and improved structure through organic amendments.
  This approach not only saved resources but also protected valuable soil ecosystems already adapted to the site.

• Waste Reduction:
  During clearances, green waste is shredded and composted for reuse wherever feasible. Hard waste is separated on-site and sent to accredited recycling centres rather than landfill.

• Local Sourcing:
  By working with local nurseries, sawmills, and stone suppliers, we reduce transportation emissions and support regional economies while ensuring materials are suited to the local climate.

These small, careful decisions add up to meaningful environmental impact across our portfolio.

5. Long-Term Stewardship

Sustainability doesn’t end when a garden is built — it’s a process of care and adaptation.
Through our subscription-based maintenance service, we:

• Promote organic and low-chemical garden care practices.

• Use natural soil conditioners, mulches, and biological controls instead of synthetic fertilisers or pesticides.

• Encourage clients to adopt sustainable gardening habits, such as composting and wildlife-friendly management.

6. Continuous Improvement

We are committed to continually improving our sustainability and ethical standards.
We regularly review our working practices to reduce environmental impact and to stay aligned with evolving best practices in sustainable horticulture, landscape design, and environmental stewardship.

7. Transparency and Accountability

We welcome open communication with our clients, suppliers, and partners about our sustainability and ethics.
If you have any questions or suggestions about our policies or practices, we encourage you to get in touch.

Contact Us

📍 Umber Garden Design Ltd
11 Highdown Road, Leamington Spa, CV31 1XT
hello@umbergardendesign.co.uk
01926 754049