NURSERIES are generally green, but Corseside Nursery is 'greener' than most.

The family-run business on the Angle Road has been shortlisted for an international Green Apple Award, recognising environmental best practice.

Sandra and Julian Williams started the nursery, 2.4 miles west of the Salutation Inn, six years ago. Their garden walls are made of colourful bottles and their paths of old bricks.

Plants sprout from wellies, tyres, baths and plastic milk trays that would otherwise have ended up as non-biodegradable waste.

"I blame it all on the Wombles," joked Mrs Williams.

But the environmental focus of the business is no joke for the company that already has a Green Dragon award under its belt.

Customers receive a discount for bringing pots back and all products are peat-free.

Reliant on a well, Sandra and Julian are aware of the need to conserve water and are concentrating more and more on drought-tolerant plants.

Their plans for a new building include a water collection system.

Sandra's mother Val Jones, who acts as company secretary, read about the awards in the Western Telegraph and decided to enter.

She said: "The environment has always been very important to us. It's ours to look after for our kids."

The Green Apple Awards are supported by the Environment Agency, Chartered Institute of Waste Management and the Municipal Journal.

Winners will be presented with their awards at a ceremony at the House of Lords in November.