On 24th January 2023, The Old Railway Line Garden Centre was awarded two prestigious accolades at the national Garden Centre Association (GCA) Awards in Blackburn. The independent, local garden centre, located in Three Cocks between Brecon and Hay-on-Wye, won the ‘Environment & Community Award’ as well as ‘Centre of Excellence’ status.
The family-run business won the title of ‘Best Destination Garden Centre’ in Wales & the West a few months ago, so these awards were welcome additions on a national level.
Mark Cleary, founder of the local Garden Centre said,
“To be recognised for our efforts in our community and to reduce our environmental impact is really special to us.
“Over the years we’ve made a big effort to reduce our impact on the planet including installing 210 solar panels, 40,000 litres of rainwater storage, re-using 100% of our carboard packaging, and many more initiatives. We are also passionate about reducing produce and plant miles, so source locally where possible.
“Our team are proactive in engaging with schools, community groups and local charities. As a rural business we rely on the support of our local community, and we enjoy giving back wherever we can.
Liam Cleary, Garden Retail Director added; “The ‘Centre of Excellence’ status is only rewarded to the top 10 Garden Centres in the UK, which is something we’ve achieved 3 times consecutively now. To maintain this level of standards is testament to the team and we are so proud of this achievement.
“We strive to deliver the very best shopping experience for our customers. The biggest reward for us is seeing them returning time and time again and enjoying every visit. I’m extremely proud of the team’s achievements at this years’ GCA awards and I’m looking forward to seeing how we keep growing from here.”
The GCA represents over 200 garden centres nationwide. Through sharing information and its inspection programme the GCA helps members to achieve high standards in customer service, plant quality and reliability. The awards are decided by the results of the annual inspections, which take place at all GCA garden centres. Garden centres have no advance warning about when their inspection will take place and they do not have the option to turn away the inspector.
The award-winning, independent, family-run garden centre was established in 1990 by founders, Mark and Christina Cleary. It provides customers with quality plants, gardening products, indoor and outdoor living goods, pet care products, giftware and furniture. The Old Railway Line is also home to a farm shop stocking products from over 60 local and Welsh suppliers and a 150-seater restaurant offering delicious home cooked food.
Visit: www.oldrailwaylinegc.co.uk
