How a college project inspired a new approach to Scotland’s green waste and transform it into useful products
A college project tackling our throw-away culture inspired a whole new vision for a more sustainable approach to processing Scotland’s green waste.
When Tommy Dale saw that much of Scotland’s green waste was being sent to landfill or burned, it ignited an idea and his challenge for change began.
Spotting its true potential, his vision took shape to transform green waste into useful products which would help growers, gardeners and horticulturalists to nurture the land.
That was the start of Caledonian Horticulture’s story and the company behind it, Forth Resource Management which Tommy founded in 2002, opened its first composting site at East Fenton near North Berwick. The business has continued to grow to meet an increasing demand.
Today Forth Resource Management works across the Borders, the Lothians, Edinburgh and central Scotland to process green and woody waste from council collections into compost, topsoil blends and woodchip. The Caledonian Horticulture products are giving back to the land by helping gardeners, growers and horticulturalists with a range of sustainable, peat-free products.
From small garden and landscapers’ bags to lorry loads for agriculture, they are recycling and repurposing waste to create a healthier soil.
Rooted in core values
Their original core values haven’t changed. Sustainability, quality and integrity are still at the heart of their core values which is how Caledonian Horticulture has built strong relationships with customers, councils and partners – and won recognition with industry peers.
Their One Planet Pledge highlights an environmental focus by offsetting the use of processing fuels with tree planting initiatives. A Community Compost Scheme also supports schools and community groups to grow their own fruit and vegetables, with as much as 500 tonnes of Green Goodness Soil Improver given away each year.
Their efforts also extend beyond woodland creation with coastal clean-ups and more than £80,000 contributed to local causes. Shaping Our Shores explores marine litter and plastic pollution along Scotland’s coastline, using documentary filmmaking and digital content to give insight into wider environmental issues and sustainability.
Creating a healthier future
Combining action and stewardship with strong aims and objectives, Caledonian Horticulture is helping to shape a more sustainable future with healthier soil.
To find out more about their vision and the products they produce, visit their website.