As Europe’s biggest grower of turf, wildflower turf and sedum Harrowden works across the sector with a range of bodies. We work to help develop better products, better accountability and greater responsibility. That can mean a better understanding of green roof applications and technology. Increasingly it means working towards better turf standards; tracking every stage of our crop production and supporting pollinators and the environments they need. We also hold ourselves to account through the adoption of ISO and FORS accreditation. Finally, we subscribe to a national review site tracking customer feedback on our products and service.
Founded in 2000, Red Tractor is a world-leading food chain assurance scheme that underpins British food & drink production. It is the flagship logo of British food and farming. Ultimately, it provides assurance at every stage of the production process, from farm to fork. Our Red Tractor accreditation ensures science-based, evidence-backed standards for animal welfare, food safety, traceability, and environmental protection. As one of 50,000 British farmers, we influence the purchasing criteria of major supermarkets, brands, and restaurants. The Red Tractor logo guarantees 20 years of world-leading British food excellence.
The Green Roof Organisation (GRO) is an independent not-for-profit trade association representing the UK Green, Blue and BioSolar Roofing industries. As a member Harrowden works with the GRO developing guidance documents and promoting the wider adoption of greener roofing technologies. GRO represents manufacturers of waterproofing systems, suppliers of Green/Blue/BioSolar systems and specialist contractors from the roofing and landscape sectors. Harrowden aims to promote green and blue roofing, reducing carbon emissions, benefiting air and water quality, increasing energy efficiency and supporting biodiversity.
The British Association of Landscape Industries is an industry body which aims to build relationships across the sector. The objective is to help members expand their networks and provide additional support and opportunities for greater learning and understanding. As an Accredited Member we benefit from belonging to a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for landscaping and environmental stewardship. The association serves as a platform for networking, allowing members to connect with fellow professionals, industry experts, and potential clients.
Formed in 1995, the Turfgrass Growers Association is made up of 24 growers producing up to 70% of the cultivated turf grown in the British Isles. It lobbies government and water companies and supports landscaping issues across the sector. The TGA is at the forefront of raising the standard of cultivated turf supplied to professional and domestic customers.
Pollinators are in decline. Gardeners and landscapers can help by planting wildflowers that provide forage for a wide variety of pollinating insects. The Royal Horticultural Society has selected a range of year-round flowering Plants for Pollinators to help tackle the decline in pollinator numbers. The RHS has also launched the Plants for Pollinators logo to encourage gardeners to grow more of them. As a key supplier to both domestic gardeners and the wider horticulture industry we care passionately about our pollinators and believe gardens can play a key role in reversing their decline.
The Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme is a voluntary accreditation programme designed to improve standards in the road transport industry. FORS assesses and recognises fleet performance in key areas: environmental impact, safety, and operational efficiency. As an accredited Silver FORS operator, we have chosen to work to improve the standards across our fleet. We have set high standards for safety, efficiency, environmental protection, and overall excellence across our fleet operations.
Harrowden has achieved The International Organisation for Standardisation Accreditations; 9001, 14001 and 45001. These reflect the work done within the business – in Customer Service, Accounting and Business Continuity. ISO 9001 relates to a clearly defined set of business processes and the documentation to support them. ISO 14001 is a series of standards that relate to environmental management. They are designed to help organisations to minimise their environmental impact; use resources more efficiently; comply with environmental legislation and to improve their environmental performance. ISO 45001 relates to global standards for Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems that provides a practical solution to improve the safety and health of staff and personnel.
Harrowden has joined The National Federation of Roofing Contractors to support the growing emphasis on sustainable construction and the new mandatory requirement for biodiversity net gain. As one of the leading growers and suppliers of the living components for green roof systems in the UK, Harrowden is ideally positioned to assist roofing contractors. It matters not whether they are experienced installers or exploring this area for the first time. Our range of sedum and wildflower blankets, trays, plug plants, and various substrates allow us to meet a wide array of specifications. Additionally, for contractors venturing into green roofing for the first time, Harrowden can offer accredited CPD technical training courses for sedum green roofs and wildflower turf.
