1. Policy Statement

The Deepings Caravan Park is committed to protecting wildlife, habitats and ecosystems both onsite and throughout our supply chain.
We will actively avoid products, materials or produce that contribute to:

• Deforestation
• Habitat destruction
• Harm to pollinators
• Soil degradation
• Water pollution
• Unsustainable resource extraction
• Unethical or damaging farming or manufacturing practices

We will prioritise suppliers, brands and materials that demonstrate responsible environmental stewardship and support nature-positive production methods.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All employees involved in purchasing decisions
• All goods and services procured by the park
• All suppliers and contractors engaged to work on-site
• All food, consumables, building materials, landscaping products and operational equipment

3. Biodiversity-Safe Procurement Principles

3.1 Avoid Harmful Products & Practices

We commit to NOT purchasing items linked to:

• Deforestation or land clearance, including products from threatened ecosystems.
• Unsustainable palm oil, soybean, cocoa or timber supply chains.
• Pesticide-intensive farming, including produce linked to bee decline (e.g., neonicotinoids).
• Peat-based composts or soils (we operate a peat-free policy).
• Non-certified timber or wood products from unknown or high-risk areas.
• Single-use plastics, wherever alternatives exist.
• Chemicals harmful to wildlife, aquatic life, or pollinators.

3.2 Prioritise Sustainable & Ethical Alternatives

We will actively choose:

• Peat-free composts and soil products
• Locally grown plants, especially native species that support wildlife
• Environmentally responsible cleaning products
• Certified sustainable timber (e.g., FSC-certified)
• Recycled or recyclable materials
• Low-carbon, low-impact supply chains
• Food products produced without harmful pesticides
• Suppliers who demonstrate biodiversity protection in their operations

4. Supplier Requirements & Expectations

We expect all suppliers to:

1. Provide transparency about sourcing, production practices and environmental impacts.
2. Confirm that their products do not cause biodiversity damage.
3. Hold relevant sustainability certifications, where applicable.
4. Limit packaging, prioritising recyclable or biodegradable materials.
5. Avoid harmful chemicals, especially those affecting pollinators, soil fertility or waterways.
6. Notify The Deepings Caravan Park of any environmental risks or changes in their supply chain.

Where suppliers cannot meet these standards, alternative suppliers will be sought.

5. Sustainable Food & Catering Procurement

For any food served, sold or purchased for park events, we will:

• Prioritise locally sourced, seasonal produce
• Avoid items linked to biodiversity loss, such as:
  • Non-certified palm oil
  • Industrially farmed meat/fish from unsustainable sources
  • Produce cultivated with biodiversity-damaging chemicals
• Support growers who use:
  • Organic farming practices
  • Integrated pest management (IPM)
  • Nature-friendly soil and water techniques

6. Landscaping & Grounds Maintenance Procurement

All landscaping materials must:

• Be native or wildlife-friendly species
• Be sourced without harming wild habitats
• Meet UK plant health and biosecurity standards
• Avoid invasive, non-native species
• Prioritise peat-free, pesticide-free products
• Support pollinators (where appropriate)

We also commit to purchasing electric-powered tools to reduce noise, carbon emissions and ecological disruption.

7. Evaluation & Monitoring

We will:

• Review procurement decisions annually.
• Maintain records of sustainable supplier choices.
• Seek certification or verification where appropriate.
• Replace suppliers who fail to meet biodiversity standards.
• Continuously improve our procurement process as new eco-friendly products become available.

8. Staff Training

All staff involved in purchasing will receive guidance on:

• Biodiversity protection
• Sustainable product selection
• How to identify environmentally harmful supply chains
• When to consult management for clarification

9. Communication

We will communicate our biodiversity-safe procurement standards to:

• Suppliers
• Contractors
• Staff
• Guests (where relevant, e.g., in sustainability reporting)

This policy forms part of our wider Sustainability Strategy and supports our commitment to nature conservation.

10. Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if:

• Legislation changes
• Biodiversity best practices evolve
• Supplier information changes
• Major projects or new developments require updated standards

Conclusion

Through responsible procurement, The Deepings Caravan Park ensures our operations support biodiversity both on-site and globally.
Every purchasing decision reflects our commitment to protecting wildlife, conserving habitats, and promoting a thriving, sustainable environment for future generations.