Sustainability improvements at Strawberry Field

In April 2024, Eilis, a Geography BSc student at LJMU, produced a Sustainability Policy to highlight the work that Strawberry Field is doing to achieve the centre’s sustainability targets. In addition, Eilis also helped the green team apply for a Green Tourism accreditation, in which we were awarded a silver accreditation. In Eilis' sustainability policy, she highlighted areas that could be improved and outlined sustainability targets to strive for in the future.  A year on, we have implemented several changes which should help us meet our sustainability goals.

Reduced waste in the Imagine More cafe

We removed the automatic inclusion of salad garnish from our best-selling sandwich options in favour of making this an on-demand supplement. This has reduced our costs and substantially reduced the waste returning to the kitchen and our environmental impact through landfill use. We have also joined the Too Good To Go app, which allows us to offer cakes and 'grab-and-go' options that are nearing the end of their shelf life at a reduced cost.

Improved cleaning products

Using information provided by The Ethical Consumer website, we now use B grade cleaning materials in our catering setting, which are of ‘low concern’. This has been a positive step towards implementing rresponsible use of chemicals throughout the site.

Additional solar panels

In late 2024, an additional Solar PV system was installed at Strawberry Field as part of The Salvation Army's carbon management plan. It is expected that the upgraded system could serve 32% of Strawberry Field's current electricity demand, and 4% of the Solar PV system's production is predicted to spill back onto the grid. Together, the solar panels will reduce Strawberry Field's carbon emissions each year by the equivalent of driving around the globe twice in a diesel car!

Better education

We have created a Garden Explorer Map for young children to educate them about biodiversity, mindfulness and wellbeing. You can pick up a free copy from our gift shop or go paperless here. We have also created a guide for visitors to make their visit green.

Accessibility training for staff

We have provided training for our staff to help them make Strawberry Field accessible. 

• How to support an autistic person in the workplace with Autism Adventures
• Vision Awareness training with Thomas Pocklington Trust
• Inclusive Marketing with AccessAble

Online Accessibility Audit 

Gain has audited the Strawberry Field website and online shop for accessibility. They found that our website and online shop partially meet Level AA of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and provided an action plan on how to improve and meet Level AAA.

Improved communications

We have improved communications about our sustainability efforts on social media and online and have made a plan to implement better signage across the site. 

Sustainability feedback form

We’ve created a Sustainability Feedback Form to gather visitors’ input on how our sustainable features are managed and presented, and to invite any suggestions for improvement.

Our commitment to sustainability is ongoing and we continue to strive to be a sustainable, accessible tourist attraction with community and wellbeing at its heart.