NEW GREEN INITIATIVE FOR HIGHFIELD GARDEN WORLD

An unusually large new irrigation water tank has become the latest pioneering planet-friendly idea to take shape at Highfield Garden World at Whitminster near Gloucester.

The new 216,000 litre tank will see Highfield drastically improving water e ciency across the business.

The tank can collect a massive volume of rainwater harvested from the various roof sections across the garden centre site – including from the revolutionary retractable roof recently constructed over the new planteria.

The captured rainwater will water the thousands of plants on site and flush customer toilets. This pioneering approach will help the business moderate and plan water use to minimise its reliance on mains water.

Cultural Plan will put West of England on the map

A new plan to put the West of England on the map for national and international success has been unveiled.

The West of England ‘Cultural Plan’ showcases the region’s artists and games designers, highlights visitor attractions and puts a spotlight on why it’s a go-to place for investment in the creative industries including in film and TV production.

The Cultural Plan is supported by members of the West of England Cultural Compact, established last year as a collaborative vehicle to steer and support strategic activity for the creative and cultural sector

By pulling together players from across the West of England, the Metro Mayor Dan Norris says the region has a tremendously strong offer promoting creative businesses that contribute just under £2 billion to the regional economy each year.

Fuelled by financial donations from an initial core group of businesses and individuals in 2021, the Fund is managed by Oxfordshire Community Foundation.

The Fund is keen to attract many more local business donors, churches, and individuals to help fundraise, either by making donations or by offering their services or fundraising efforts in support.

Donors already committed to the project are Didcot First which hosts the fund; MEPC Milton Park, housing association Soha, drug discovery company Evotec, publishers Hachette UK Distribution, Harwell Campus, pharmaceutical company Ipsen, Asda, Diamond Light Source, Infinium and Reef Group.

He said: “The West of England Combined Authority’s recent £12 million investment in the Bottle Yard Studios sends a strong, confident, and really important message to the world – that our amazing creative sector here in the West of England is thriving and growing.

“More than 500 businesses across the South West have been boosted directly from Netflix investment creating 1,000 jobs across the UK.”