Marks & Spencer’s Brussels sprouts supplier Seahills has planted wildflower seeds between crops to boost biodiversity and promote natural pest control.

Seahills is part of the M&S Farming for the Future programme and has dedicated 20% of its land to nature.

The supplier also measures its environmental footprint with Soil Association Exchange and participates in soil health training to improve the growth and harvesting of crops.

It also ensures sprouts remain high-quality by hand-trimming each line and removing blemishes, which results in longer-shelf-life produce.

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Gary Bruce, farm manager, said: “We’re looking at the whole journey from seed onwards – from soil health and biodiversity through to how we harvest and trim every sprout.

“Hand trimming makes a big difference to quality, and the support from M&S means we can keep analysing and improving how we grow our crops for the future.”

Seahills has been in a two-decade-long partnership with the supermarket retailer which aims to produce quality products while protecting the environment.

The move is part of the high-street retailer’s broader commitment to sustainable farming. In September, M&S invested over £14m in eco-friendly farming and innovation and launched the ‘Farming for the Future’ initiative.