1. Introduction
Wrekin Products is a distributor of ductile iron products, sourcing primarily from suppliers in Turkey and distributing nationwide across the UK. Our operations are based at a small industrial site in Lichfield, Staffordshire, adjacent to a residential area, with a public park located approximately two miles away. There are no rivers, streams, lakes, Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), or other designated or protected ecological sites in close proximity to our premises.
Wrekin Products holds ISO 14001 certification for its Environmental Management System (EMS) and is committed to integrating biodiversity and ecosystem considerations into its environmental management processes.
This policy sets out our approach to identifying, assessing, and managing actual and potential impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems, while supporting legal compliance, stakeholder expectations, and continual improvement in environmental performance.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all activities, products, and services within the control or influence of Wrekin Products, including:
- Importation, handling, and storage of ductile iron products
- Distribution and logistics operations across the UK, including third-party transport providers acting on our behalf
- Site-based activities at the Lichfield facility
- Supply chain activities involving Turkish suppliers and UK partners
- Contractor activities undertaken on site, such as maintenance and waste management
The policy addresses both direct impacts (e.g. site operations) and indirect impacts (e.g. transportation emissions and supply chain sourcing).
3. Commitment
Wrekin Products is committed to:
Protecting biodiversity and ecosystems and, where practicable, avoiding biodiversity net loss
Preventing, minimising, or mitigating adverse impacts arising from our operations and activities
Complying with all applicable UK and EU environmental legislation and guidance, including the Environment Act 2021 and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
Integrating biodiversity risk identification and management into our ISO 14001 certified EMS
Working with suppliers and contractors to promote responsible sourcing and biodiversity protection
Reporting transparently to relevant stakeholders on biodiversity-related actions and performance
4. Identification of Risks and Potential Impacts
Wrekin Products adopts a systematic and proportionate approach to identifying biodiversity and ecosystem risks, aligned with the ISO 14001 environmental aspects and impacts assessment methodology.
4.1 Aspect Identification
Environmental aspects are identified and reviewed for all relevant business activities, including:
- Product storage and handling
- Vehicle movements and logistics operations
- Waste management and contractor activities
- Energy use and site maintenance activities
Both direct impacts (such as accidental spills, noise, or disturbance from site activities) and indirect impacts (such as emissions from transport and potential biodiversity impacts associated with supply chain sourcing) are considered.
4.2 Risk Assessment
Identified aspects are assessed using a risk matrix maintained within the EMS Environmental Aspects and Impacts Register. The assessment considers likelihood and severity, taking into account:
- Proximity to sensitive receptors, including neighbouring residential areas and local green spaces that considers nature and scale of activities and existing controls and mitigation measures
- External information sources may be consulted as appropriate, including the UK Biodiversity Action Plan, Natural England data, and supplier environmental information. Risk assessments are reviewed at least annually and following significant changes such as new suppliers, changes to operations, or site developments. Relevant personnel, including operational staff and environmental management representatives, are involved in the review process.
4.3 Impact Categories
Potential biodiversity and ecosystem impacts considered include:
- Habitat loss or fragmentation (considered minimal on-site due to location and land use)
- Pollution (e.g. noise, dust, spills, or runoff)
- Introduction or spread of invasive species via imported materials
- Climate change contributions resulting from transportation and energy use
- No direct impacts on UK Priority Habitats or Priority Species have been identified to date. Overall biodiversity risk associated with Wrekin Products’ operations is considered low, with the most significant potential impacts being indirect and supply-chain related.
5. Mitigation and Action Plans
Where risks or potential impacts are identified, Wrekin Products implements proportionate and risk-based mitigation measures through its EMS.
5.1 Biodiversity Action Planning
Biodiversity-related actions are incorporated into the EMS and may include:
- Enhancing on-site green spaces where feasible, such as through the planting of appropriate native species during landscaping or site improvement works
- Engaging with suppliers to confirm compliance with relevant environmental and biodiversity requirements, including avoidance of sourcing from protected or sensitive areas
- Encouraging efficient logistics practices, including route optimisation and the use of lower-emission vehicles where practicable
5.2 Monitoring and Measurement
Performance is monitored through routine site inspections, EMS audits, supplier reviews, and monitoring of relevant environmental indicators such as emissions and incidents. Results are reviewed as part of management review processes.
5.3 Training and Awareness
Employees and relevant contractors receive appropriate environmental awareness training, including information on biodiversity risks, incident reporting, and their responsibilities under this policy.
5.4 Continuous Improvement
Wrekin Products is committed to continual improvement and aims to achieve zero reportable biodiversity-related environmental incidents. Actions and objectives are reviewed regularly to ensure ongoing effectiveness.
6. Reporting and Communication
Biodiversity performance and actions are reported internally through EMS reviews and management meetings. External reporting is undertaken as required to meet stakeholder expectations. Wrekin Products will engage with local stakeholders where relevant and report any biodiversity-related incidents promptly.
Records relating to biodiversity risk assessments, actions, monitoring, and incidents are retained in accordance with EMS document control and record retention procedures.
7. Responsibilities
Senior Management: Overall accountability for this policy and provision of adequate resources
HSEQ Manager: Implementation of this policy, coordination of risk assessments, and oversight of biodiversity-related actions
Employees and Contractors: Compliance with procedures and prompt reporting of any actual or potential biodiversity risks
8. Review
This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if required due to changes in operations, legislation, or applicable standards, to ensure continued alignment with ISO 14001
Approved by: Steve O’Brien Operations Director
Simon Turner
Managing Director
5/2/26
This policy forms part of the Wrekin Products Environmental Management System and is communicated to all employees and relevant suppliers.
