A Cumbrian flower farm is the first in the UK to be awarded a major sustainability status for the wedding industry.
Cumberland Flower Farm, near Cockermouth, was established in 2018 an grows cut flowers for homes, businesses and events.
Harriet Smithson, owner, said: “Using regenerative old school market garden methods they grow flowers and foliage from March until October. Cumberland Flower Farm has a growing reputation for sustainable floristry – designing without floral foam and imported flowers – that celebrate the seasons.”
It supplies between 40 and 50 weddings a year. It has attained accreditation with the Sustainable Wedding Alliance, set up in 2020 by Michelle Miles to help the
wedding industry reach the country’s ambition to be net zero by 2030.
The process of accreditation supports businesses to understand their current carbon footprint and create a sustainability strategy that helps them become more environmentally friendly.
Harriet said: “We are delighted to have achieved accreditation with the Sustainable Wedding Alliance. It is brilliant to be able to celebrate our sustainable work and have a practical plan for our growth and development.
“The accreditation process has taken us a year and has involved us analysing our carbon footprint, supply chain and processes. It’s very thorough and thought
provoking!
“It’s easy to say you are ‘eco’ but this really underlines the effort we go to consider the environment.
“Sustainability is at the heart of what we do and to be the first business in Cumbria to be accredited is a great achievement.
“We encourage others to join and start the process!”
