National Memorial Arboretum awarded a Staffordshire Environmental Quality Mark for continued sustainability efforts

The National Memorial Arboretum, in Staffordshire, has been awarded a Staffordshire Environmental Quality Mark in recognition of the visitor destination’s continued commitment to making sustainable choices for the benefit of the planet, people, and the local economy. This nationally recognised accolade was presented to the Arboretum team on Friday 19 January at The Big Tourism Conference, organised by Enjoy Staffordshire.

“From serving seasonal dishes cooked using locally sourced produce and homegrown herbs to creating new wildlife habitats across our 150-acre site, the National Memorial Arboretum team is continually seeking ways to ensure that we are improving the sustainability of our operations and reducing our impact on the environment,” said Mark Ellis, Arboretum Lead. “In just the last twelve months we have delivered our first-ever sustainability-led school holiday experiences, installed 250 solar panels on the roof of the Remembrance Centre, and achieved our third consecutive Green Flag award. This award of a Staffordshire Environmental Quality Mark recognises how we put sustainability at the heart of everything we do”.

The Staffordshire Environment Quality Mark award scheme is validated by VisitEngland, using scoreable criteria informed by the latest sustainable practices, and is structured around five categories; Business and Economy, Global Environment, Local Environment, People and Communities, and Special Qualities of your Local Area. After completing a self-assessment questionnaire and supplying data for a carbon audit, the Arboretum received an inspection visit to validate evidence before the application was considered by the awards panel.

“We know that we can further improve our sustainability credentials and use continuous improvement to ensure that the Arboretum will remain a leading force in safeguarding the natural environment,” continued Mark. “By advocating for ethical practices and providing learning opportunities focused on sustainable living, we can encourage and inspire visitors to care for our world.”

To learn more about the Arboretum’s sustainability efforts: https://thenma.org.uk/about-us/who-we-are/sustainability

National Memorial Arboretum
The National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire is the Nation’s year-round place to remember; it helps people to reflect and to be inspired, providing a space to celebrate lives lived and commemorate lives lost in service. Since it opened to the public twenty-two years ago in 2001, it has grown into an inspirational living landscape, freely open to all. The 150-acre Arboretum is part of the Royal British Legion and has approximately 25,000 maturing trees and over 400 memorials. The multi-award-winning garden and woodland site sits at the southwestern corner of the 200 square mile National Forest.

Situated on land owned by Tarmac and leased on a peppercorn rent, the Arboretum is home to the striking Armed Forces Memorial which commemorates those who have been killed on duty or as a result of terrorism from the end of the Second World War to the present time. www.thenma.org.uk