Welcome to Root One and to this extraordinary 2020 season! We are now 19 years old, having celebrated our birthday on the 9th June. It’s been a rollercoaster of a ride throughout, but this year’s challenges must rank among the most difficult that we have ever faced! The legacy of Covid 19 will be felt for a long time yet, both in terms of how we are now operating in the shop and the supply issues that have affected every area of the business. This is not going to change any time soon.

The garden centre is open and is now well stocked in most areas, but we have made the difficult decision not to re-open the café on the 4th July. This will remain closed for the time being at least. I know some of you may be disappointed to hear this but the guidance is still too unclear and too difficult to fathom at the moment, and without that clarity we feel that the logistics of actually how we go about doing things are impossible to figure out. We also fear a backlash from the mad rush that will inevitably follow the pubs and bars and restaurants all getting back to business this weekend.

For the safety of our staff and our customers we will continue to monitor the situation, study how others are managing their operations, and make sure that when we do re-open we can have complete confidence that the processes we have in place will give the business a chance to operate at least on a break-even basis and address all the safety concerns that our customers have the right to expect. We will keep you posted and in the meantime stay well and pray that the predicted second spike does not materialise.

Thanks for your patience.
Jeremy Brudenell

Can we please remind you of the following important points:
Your safety and the safety of our staff are paramount. Screens are in place and the staff all have access to hand sanitisers and protective masks if they choose to wear them.
We still need to limit numbers on the site so if possible come on your own. We realise this may not be your preferred option but it will help us at a difficult time. Children and pets I’m afraid are not encouraged either.
We have a one-way system in place and social distancing is to be observed at all times. We apologise for any delay you may experience if there is a queue, and hope that you will still be able to enjoy your time with us. Someone will be available to meet and greet you and point you in the right direction if you are looking for something in particular.
We are taking payment only by card (but including HTA gift cards and vouchers). No cash please. Contactless payments can now be made up to a value of £45. The keypad for larger amounts will be wiped after each use. Where possible you will be invited to place the items you wish to buy on a table where they can be scanned by the till staff without having to be handled.
Trolleys and baskets are available as usual, and all handles are wiped between uses.