Sustainability
We are passionate about doing our bit for the environment, and are always looking for ways to do better.
Things We Do Now
Energy
- Our electricity is supplied by a company using 100% sustainable energy
- We’ve improved the insulation in both castle and cottage
- Water in the castle is heated by air-source heat
- Water in the cottage is heated instantly using electricity from 100% renewable energy
- We have changed the central heating system in the cottage from oil to electricity from renewable sources
- Energy efficient appliances
- Energy efficient light bulbs
- Wood for fire places and wood burning stoves is sourced from tree surgeon’s off-cuts and our own pruning, seasoned rather than kiln dried
Biodiversity
- We use eco friendly, biodegradable cleaning materials
- Part of our land has been left to re-wild itself as a sanctuary for animals and insects
- We use no weedkillers or pesticides
- Food for birds is provided throughout the year
- We have planted hundreds of plants that provide food and sanctuary for birds and insects
- We grow our own Christmas trees, which are then recycled into wood chips and compost for use in the grounds
- There are books in our library on local fauna and flora
Recycling
- We buy everything second hand where possible in order to minimise our impact
- All of our duvets and pillows (OK these we bought new) are made from recycled plastic bottles
- We recycle everything we can and provide facilities for our guests to do so too
- The toilet rolls we provide are made from 100% recycled paper
- The toilet in the cottage uses water from the sink to fill the cistern
Community
- We support small local businesses
- The caterers we recommend source their ingredients locally
- We do regular litter picks
Things We Are Planning
- Convert to an environmentally friendly heating system for the main house (big job!)
- Install solar panels; this can’t be on the buildings due to their listing status, so we will have to find another way
- Install a facility to harvest biogas from composting to supplement heating or electricity
- Once we are allowed, to host events for the local community