FAQs

All of British Sugar’s TOPSOIL products are derived from prime arable soils which do contain a bank of annual weed seeds. The natural fertility within the soil will encourage good plant and weed growth. The control of weed is particularly important in the early stages of seeding to allow the sown grasses/species to thrive; if left unchecked the weeds will outcompete the grass or plants.

Within areas sown to grasses, the control of annual weeds is normally achieved by regular cutting/mowing. Control in planted areas is achieved by mulching; if a herbicide is used, please check the label for efficacy and application.

HortLoam and Landscape20 are analysed to and compliant to BS Standard (BS3882:2015).

Click here to understand more about the revised standard

With 3 manufacturing sites, and unrivalled access to experienced hauliers, we are in the unique position of being able to supply customers at any location in the UK. We regularly deliver within 2 days of the order being placed, however, 2-3 days notice is ideal as this means we can get the most competitive quotation for your haulage. We ask for 4 working days notice from order to the delivery of bags.

Our investment in covered storage means we can keep our topsoil products in optimum condition regardless of prevailing weather conditions.

Simply contact our Helpdesk on 0870 240 2314 for more details.

The Contaminated Land Exposure Assessment (CLEA) Model 2002 has been developed for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Environment Agency by the Centre for Research into the Built Environment at the Nottingham Trent University.

CLEA 2002 is a computer based application that combines information on the toxicity of soil contaminants with estimates of potential exposure by adults and children living, working and/or playing on land affected by contamination over long periods of time. The model focuses on pathways relevant to direct human health risks arising from exposure to contaminated land, consistent with the ‘suitable for use’ approach. It predicts the amount of contaminant to which they might be exposed based on a given soil contaminant concentration. By comparing predicted exposure with health criteria values on tolerable or acceptable contaminant intakes, the model is used to generate assessment criteria that establish a contaminant concentration in soil that is protective of human health...

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All of our production sites, Bury St Edmunds, Cantley, Newark and Wissington, are surveyed, on a biannual basis,  by Tim O’Hare Associates for Japanese Knotweed and Horsetail.

The most recent survey was conducted in August 2017 and confirmed that all TOPSOIL production areas are completely free of the Japanese Knotweed and Horsetail

If you would like a copy of the survey please call our  Helpdesk on 0870 240 2314 or e-mail Topsoil@BritishSugar.com

The National House Building Council has allowed TOPSOIL to use the following statement: "British Sugar TOPSOIL can help builders meet the requirements of NHBC Standards, Chapter 10.2 – 10.2.8  'Drives, paths and landscaping', for topsoil"

We are very proud to have achieved this from them which follows a number of property construction projects where Landscape20 has been used very successfully.

TOPSOIL products are unique and of exceptional high-quality with a specification ideally suited to the professional landscaper and amenity manager. Our production process ensures that TOPSOIL products can fully form their ideal structure.

Overall, they have the following common benefits:

• Quality products every time - thanks to over 20 years' experience
• Extensive covered storage - ensuring delivery of a consistent product
• Products are derived from a single source - gives full traceability BS3882:2015
• Sustainable, safe, consistent and reliable - used and recommended by industry professionals and organisations
• Technical support form the TOPSOIL sales team - helping match the right product to the project

A shining example of sustainability and concern for the environment.

All TOPSOIL products are delivered in their optimum condition and therefore to maintain the product’s consistency and ensure easy application, correct handling and storage on site is essential:

• If not using the delivered topsoil immediately, cover to protect from rain and contamination
• maximum 3 metre high stockpiles
• keep vehicles and plant off the soil to avoid compaction
• ideally place it on high ground to avoid flooding
• keep segregated to avoid contamination

Due to variables such as quantity and delivery details, we price-up every job individually. Estimates are usually available immediately on enquiry by contacting our Helpdesk on 0870 240 2314.

You can collect your TOPSOIL order direct from our factories or we can arrange delivery. It is worth noting that we use haulage extensively and therefore can offer very competitive rates and flexible scheduling.

As you'd expect from the UK's leading supplier, we take Product Quality, Environment and Health & Safety very seriously and apply the tightest standards to every aspect of our operation.

The TOPSOIL range currently comprises of four premium products, all of which are produced and accredited to ISO 9001;2015 / ISO 50001:2018 / ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018.

Please visit our product range pages to learn more. 

Sample Analysis

In order to give you the fullest assurance in our TOPSOIL product we can provide a typical analysis to demonstrate its suitability for general landscaping use. This is undertaken by an independent organisation with the capability to test products to an exacting standard.

In order to make the sample they test as representative as possible, a sampling procedure is strictly followed at our factory sites as can be seen by clicking here for the Topsoil Sampling Procedure.

TOPSOIL Sampling Procedure.

On receipt of the sample, the laboratory examines its physical and chemical parameters to confirm composition and fertility. This will include: pH value; electrical conductivity (salinity); plant nutrients; organic matter; particle size, stone content and potentially toxic elements.

This comprehensive analysis is enhanced by recommendations on planting and soil-handling, giving you the necessary level of assurance you need to embark on your landscaping project with total confidence.

British Standard

All TOPSOIL products conform to the new BS Standard (BS3882:2015) recently introduced in the UK.

Analysis, Research & Development