Clarks Village has introduced produce planters, a bee-friendly meadow area and additional EV charging points as it takes its commitment to sustainability to the next level.
 
The Somerset shopping outlet has introduced several eco initiatives to protect bees, create habitats for wildlife, cut carbon and engage with the community.
 
A floral meadowland area has been planted adjacent to the outlet’s adventure playpark to provide flowers for bees. As it blooms, community listening benches will be added for guests to come together and enjoy the surrounding meadowland.
 
Clarks Village has installed additional bug hotels, bird boxes and bat boxes to support wildlife while a 110-year-old tree is ‘stretching its legs’ with roots being allowed to spread freely.
 
Nearby, guests will soon be able to pick their own vegetables thanks to a produce planter project. Two large wooden planters will be home to seasonal produce including lettuce, herbs, tomatoes, broad beans, curly kale and purple sprouting broccoli. Once matured, the produce will be free for the community to pick and enjoy. The produce will be available to all but the outlet also plans to invite in community groups and children’s organisations to pick produce or even to join in with planting activities.  
 
Finally, in the car park, Clarks Village has doubled its number of electric vehicle (EV) charging points. There are now eight charging pods with 16 parking bays, operated by Pod Point in Car Park 2.
 
The new initiatives are part of a long-term commitment to sustainability at Clarks Village. The outlet in Street already sources 100% of its electricity from renewables while nearly three quarters of waste produced on site is recycled with zero sent to landfill. Other measures include free water refills offered at several brands with no need to make a purchase. Clarks Village’s landmark Central Square Gardens are full of shrubs, trees, plants and an abundance of flowers which not only look stunning but are wildlife friendly; providing a habitat for bugs and bees.
 
Chris Davis, Centre Director for Clarks Village, commented: “Sustainability has always been at the heart of Clarks Village, along with a desire to engage with our local community, and our new eco-friendly initiatives link these two aspirations hand in hand. We’re really excited about welcoming guests for a day of outlet shopping, enjoying the meadowland and listening benches and afterwards taking home some fresh produce to eat with their dinner. We look forward to sharing more of our sustainability story with guests as we continue do our bit for the planet.”
  
For details about Clarks Village, visit: https://clarksvillage.co.uk