Clarks Village is taking its commitment to sustainability to the next level.
In celebration of World Environment Day, the Somerset shopping outlet announced several environmental initiatives to promote biodiversity, reduce carbon emissions, and involve the local community.
These new offerings include the establishment of a bee-friendly wildflower meadow, the implementation of more produce planters, and the addition of electric vehicle (EV) charging points.
Notably, the meadow is located adjacent to the outlet's adventure playpark and will also feature community listening benches as the floral area matures.
These shared spaces invite guests to gather and appreciate the vibrant surrounding flora.
Complementing this, Clarks Village has installed more bug hotels, bird and bat boxes to support the local wildlife.
A centrally-placed, 110-year-old tree has been left unrestricted, allowing its roots to extend naturally.
Nearby, guests at the shopping hub will soon have the option to handpick their own vegetables from two large wooden planters.
Seasonal offerings including lettuce, herbs, tomatoes, broad beans, curly kale, and purple sprouting broccoli will be accessible to all once matured.
Additionally, plans are underway to invite community groups and children’s organisations to participate in planting activities or collect produce.
In an effort to encourage green transportation, the number of EV charging points in the car park has been doubled.
Now, there are eight charging pods with 16 parking bays in Car Park 2, managed by Pod Point.
Centre director for Clarks Village, Chris Davis said: "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."
The outlet already practises other sustainability measures.
It secures 100 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources and recycles nearly three quarters of the waste that it generates, ensuring zero goes to landfill.
It also provides free water refills at multiple outlets and maintains a Central Square Garden with bee-friendly plants.
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