1.1 Pond and Water Feature Maintenance

We recognize that ponds and water features are living ecosystems that require sensitive handling. Our approach prioritizes the safety and wellbeing of all aquatic and semi-aquatic species.

When draining or cleaning ponds, streams, and water features:

• All fish are carefully caught and relocated to temporary holding facilities with adequate aeration and appropriate water conditions

• We use specialized wildlife filters during pond vacuuming to capture and protect aquatic invertebrates, amphibians, and other pond life

• Maximum effort is made to save as much pond life as possible, even when this requires additional time and resources

• Pond waste and sediment is carefully placed beside the water feature and left for 48-72 hours to allow any remaining wildlife to find their way back to the water

• We educate customers on the importance of this practice and provide clear instructions on timing for waste removal

• Where possible, we return to site ourselves to remove the waste material, which is then composted or disposed of responsibly

• No pesticides or herbicides are used near water features or aquatic environments

1.2 Wildlife-Friendly Design

All our water features are designed with wildlife in mind, incorporating features that support biodiversity:

• Shallow edges and gently sloped areas to provide safe access for amphibians, birds, and mammals

• Stepped planting beds within ponds to create varied habitats for aquatic plants and invertebrates

• Hide-out areas, ledges, and underwater structures for fish to shelter from predators

• Varying water depths to accommodate different species and ecological niches

• Natural stone placement that creates microhabitats for beneficial organisms

1.3 Pre-Work Wildlife Surveys

Before commencing major pond or water feature projects, we:

• Enquire whether ecological surveys have been conducted by the client or principal contractor

• Recommend that appropriate wildlife surveys are completed before work begins

• Will not commence work on sensitive sites until adequate wildlife assessments have been undertaken

• Adjust our working methods based on species identified and their protected status

1.4 Seasonal Considerations

We recognize that wildlife activity varies throughout the year and plan our projects accordingly:

• We advise customers on optimal timing for major works to avoid sensitive periods such as bird nesting season (March to August) and amphibian breeding season (February to May)

• Where seasonal restrictions apply, we clearly communicate these to clients and adjust project schedules

• We remain mindful of seasonal wildlife activity when planning and executing all projects

2.1 Natural Stone Selection As stone specialists, we are committed to responsible sourcing of our primary material:

• We use natural stone wherever possible, selecting each piece by hand at the quarry to ensure the best results and most naturally authentic finishes

• We prioritize quarries that demonstrate responsible environmental practices, such as Forest of Dean Stone, which employs stitch drilling and splitting methods rather than blasting, resulting in lower environmental impact, improved safety, and cleaner stone breaks

• Our preferred quarries demonstrate commitment to: o Water recycling through closed-filtration systems o Waste minimization and reprocessing of stone off-cuts into other building materials o Land restoration and biodiversity enhancement once operations cease o Strict environmental monitoring and pollution control measures o Compliance with planning conditions protecting Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and protected landscapes

2.2 Local Sourcing and Carbon Footprint Reduction We actively work to minimize the carbon footprint of our projects:

• Materials are sourced as locally as possible to reduce transportation distances and associated emissions

• We maintain relationships with regional suppliers and quarries to support local economies and minimize environmental impact

• Project planning includes consideration of material transportation logistics to optimize efficiency

2.3 Material Reuse and Recycling We operate on a near-zero waste principle through proactive material management:

• Stone and materials from existing features are reused on site wherever possible

• Surplus stone is offered to other companies we have worked with over the years on a first-come, first-served basis

• Any remaining materials are stored for future projects where we know they can be utilized

• As a last resort, materials are offered to the local community through customer-posted notices on community boards, Facebook groups, and other local channels

• We produce minimal waste because materials are planned for reuse before removal

• Any unavoidable waste is disposed of through licensed and environmentally responsible routes

2.4 Plant and Tree Preservation Living materials removed during construction are treated with care and respect:

• We aim to reuse any plants, shrubs, or trees removed during construction on the same project where feasible

• Established shrubs, saplings, and trees that cannot be reused on site are offered new homes through local nurseries, landscapers, community projects, or directly to local residents

• We prioritize the preservation of native species and educate customers on their ecological benefits

• Plant material that cannot be rehomed is composted or disposed of responsibly

3.1 On-Site Pollution Control We implement rigorous measures to prevent environmental contamination:

• Spill kits are maintained on all sites to respond immediately to any fuel, oil, or chemical incidents

• All workers are trained and briefed on pollution prevention and the immediate response required in the event of a spill

• Equipment is regularly inspected and maintained to prevent leaks

• Refueling of machinery is conducted in designated areas away from watercourses and sensitive environments

• Any contaminated materials are disposed of in accordance with environmental regulations

3.2 Low-Impact Site Setup Environmental protection begins with thoughtful site organization:

• We designate specific routes for machinery and personnel to minimize ground disturbance and vegetation damage

• Site layouts are planned to reduce unnecessary movement and protect sensitive areas

• Ground protection measures are implemented where required to prevent soil compaction and damage

3.3 Environmentally Safe Chemicals We prioritize environmental safety in all our material choices:

• Where chemicals are required, we use eco-friendly and environmentally safe alternatives wherever possible

• We will not compromise on environmental safety even if eco-friendly options require additional time or cost

• Where eco-friendly alternatives involve additional expense, we engage with customers to explain the importance of our environmental recommendations and seek their consent

• We maintain an inventory of approved eco-friendly products for use across all projects

3.4 Water Management Water resources are used responsibly on all our sites:

• Water is not used unnecessarily in our construction processes

• Where ponds are drained and water cannot be stored for re-use, we utilize the water beneficially by irrigating surrounding grounds, plants, trees, and flower beds (provided the water contains no known chemicals or contaminants)

• We do not generate dust-related issues that would require suppression, but remain vigilant to changing site conditions

Item 4.1 Energy-Efficient Equipment Selection We invest in quality, efficient equipment to minimize environmental impact:

• We specify more expensive, higher-efficiency pumps and equipment for water features, recognizing that better performance reduces long-term energy consumption

• When renting machinery (excavators, diggers, Manitou forklifts, generators, cement mixers), we request and prioritize lower-emission or hybrid equipment options where available

• Equipment is properly maintained to ensure optimal efficiency and minimize emissions

4.2 Vehicle Sharing and Transport Efficiency We actively work to reduce transportation-related emissions:

• Vehicle sharing is promoted across all projects

• When providing accommodation for workers on distant projects, transportation is consolidated, typically utilizing one van or two vans with two workers per vehicle when both vehicles are essential for the job

• We plan logistics to minimize unnecessary journeys and optimize fuel efficiency

4.3 Hand-Crafted Approach Our traditional stone masonry techniques inherently reduce mechanization and associated environmental impacts:

• Much of our work is completed by hand, reducing reliance on energy-intensive machinery

• Heavy stones are lifted using diggers and appropriate lifting equipment only when necessary

• This approach reduces noise, emissions, and energy consumption while delivering superior craftsmanship

5.1 Waste Minimization Strategy Our approach to waste is based on prevention rather than disposal:

• Waste generation is minimized through careful project planning and material estimation

• Materials are pre-allocated for reuse or redistribution before removal from site

• We maintain a near-zero waste operation through proactive material management

• The small amount of unavoidable waste we generate (concrete off-cuts, packaging, vegetation) is segregated and disposed of through appropriate recycling or licensed disposal routes

5.2 Composting and Organic Waste Organic materials are returned to beneficial use:

• Pond sediment and aquatic vegetation removed during cleaning is composted where appropriate

• Plant material that cannot be rehomed is composted rather than sent to landfill

• Customers are educated on the benefits of composting pond waste for garden use

Maintenance We believe that environmental responsibility extends beyond the construction phase:

• We provide comprehensive guidance to all clients on maintaining their water features sustainably

• Advice includes energy-efficient pump operation, wildlife-friendly maintenance practices, and environmentally safe cleaning methods

• We educate customers on the ecological value of their water features and how to maximize biodiversity benefits

• Guidance is provided on sustainable plant selection, natural filtration systems, and seasonal maintenance best practices

• We encourage customers to view their water features as living ecosystems that contribute to local biodiversity

Our design philosophy integrates environmental principles from the outset:

• All designs incorporate proper filtration systems to maintain water quality with minimal intervention

• Adequate aeration is provided to support fish and other aquatic life

• Natural processes are prioritized over chemical treatments wherever possible

• Designs balance aesthetic excellence with ecological functionality

• Energy-efficient circulation systems are specified as standard

• Wildlife corridors and habitat features are integrated into all appropriate designs

8.1 Legal and Regulatory Compliance We are committed to meeting or exceeding all environmental legislation and regulations relevant to our activities, including but not limited to:

• Environmental Protection Act 1990

• Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

• Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017

• Water Resources Act 1991

• Waste management and duty of care regulations

• Health and Safety legislation with environmental implications

8.2 Staff and Contractor Training Environmental responsibility is embedded in our team culture:

• All employees receive training on environmental best practices relevant to their roles

• Contractors and sub-contractors are briefed on our environmental standards and expectations

• Site inductions include environmental protection measures specific to each project

• Ongoing professional development includes environmental awareness and sustainability

8.3 Contractor and Sub-Contractor Management As a sub-contracted company working with a team of four skilled specialists and external contractors:

• We ensure all contractors working on our behalf understand and comply with this Environmental Policy

• Environmental standards are communicated during pre-project briefings and site inductions

• We work collaboratively with principal contractors and clients to align environmental practices across projects

• Our team of four brings specialist knowledge and experience, with each member contributing environmental awareness within their area of expertise

8.4 Monitoring and Review We are committed to the continuous improvement of our environmental performance:

• This Environmental Policy is reviewed annually and updated to reflect evolving best practices, regulatory changes, and operational improvements

• Environmental performance is discussed at team meetings and project reviews

• Customer feedback on environmental practices is welcomed and incorporated into our continuous improvement process

• We remain alert to new technologies, methods, and materials that can further reduce our environmental impact

We believe transparency and collaboration strengthen environmental outcomes:

• This Environmental Policy is available to all clients, contractors, suppliers, and stakeholders upon request

• We communicate our environmental commitments through our website, marketing materials, and project documentation

• We welcome dialogue with customers, regulatory bodies, conservation organizations, and community groups on environmental matters

• We actively share our expertise in sustainable water feature construction with the wider landscaping industry

Riverdale Natural Water Features Limited is proud of our environmental record and remains committed to protecting and enhancing the natural environment through responsible business practices. Our slogan, "Recreating Nature Stone by Stone," reflects our philosophy that human craftsmanship can work in harmony with the natural world.

Every member of our team shares responsibility for implementing this policy, and we expect the same commitment from our contractors, suppliers, and partners.

Together, we are dedicated to creating beautiful, functional, and ecologically valuable water features that will be enjoyed by people and wildlife for generations to come.

Policy Owner: Director, Riverdale Natural Water Features Limited Issue Date: November 2025 Next Review Date: November 2026 Version: 1.0