Sustainability

We are passionate about doing our bit for the environment, and are always looking for ways to do better.

Things We Do Now

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

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

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

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