Wenlock Spring near Church Stretton wins sustainability award and backs young talent

Wenlock Spring water is drawn from 200 feet underground in the Shropshire Hills, from a source the family-run business says has been known for more than 900 years. Bottled at source near Church Stretton, it is sold in everything from glass bottles for the dining table to cans, and the company has been earning recognition for how it works as well as what it sells.

The business won Best Sustainable Product at the Vendies Awards in London, the vending industry's benchmark awards. Judges highlighted its fully recyclable PET bottles and aluminium cans, calling it "an excellent set of products with a great story behind it and true commitment to the environment".

The company's environmental work is substantial. Its initiatives include 741 solar panels cutting emissions by 175 tonnes a year, biomass boilers that reduce energy use by 24 per cent, 35 acres of Miscanthus biofuel grass and 1,700 trees planted to support biodiversity. It also uses recycled glass in its bottles and solar power on its bottling line.

"This recognition means a lot to us as a family-run business that has always put sustainability at the heart of everything we do," said Director Matthew Orme.

In 2026 Wenlock Spring has also been opening its doors to young people through apprenticeships, internships, site visits and engineering work experience. Charlie Ralphs is completing a Multi-Channel Marketing Apprenticeship, while Shrewsbury College T Level student Rhys Page moved from a work experience placement into a paid summer role and has already helped produce a component for one of the crown capping machines.

"Local businesses have an important role to play in helping young people take their first steps into work," Matthew said. "Manufacturing offers far more variety than many people realise, and by opening our doors we can give young people a clearer view of the different routes available."

The range runs from still and sparkling glass bottles for dining tables to cans and PET bottles, with a natural mineral content of 400mg per litre.

To find stockists, explore the range or learn more about the company's sustainability work, visit the Wenlock Spring website.