WHEELDON TREES FARM HOLIDAY COTTAGES
Deborah & Martin Hofman | Tel: 01298 83219 | stay@wheeldontreesfarm.co.uk

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
We arrived at Wheeldon Trees Farm in March 2007. Our main reason for moving to the Peak District was to escape the city and the urban life in which we had spent all our previous 94 combined years; we wanted to establish a home and business where we could put into practice some of our ideas for living and working with a minimal impact on the environment!


Our eventual aim is to achieve a carbon neutral status – we are not sure yet how long this will take, but we are committed to it! We want our guests to enjoy a fantastic holiday here with us in the Peak District National Park, and we also want to look after our environment. We think that increasing numbers of you will be looking for a holiday with a difference and we want to provide it.

In September 2007, we were delighted to be awarded the Bronze Award for the Green Business Tourist Scheme. The GTBS is the leading sustainable tourism certification scheme in the UK, with over 1400 members. Businesses opting to join are assessed against a rigorous set of criteria, covering a range of areas, like energy and water efficiency, waste management, biodiversity and more. Over the coming year, we will be working towards Silver and eventually Gold standard.

Our next challenge is to be accredited with the Peak District Environmental Quality Mark, an award which recognises businesses who have adopted good environmental practices and contribute to the support and conservation of the Peak District National Park.

Here are some of the things that we are already doing:
Waste/Recycling
• We recycle glass, paper, tins, cardboard, milk/fruit juice cartons and plastic
• Wherever possible, we use email and telephone, rather than paper
• We recycle our used printer cartridges
• We provide our guests with a separate container in which to place all kitchen waste. The contents are ‘fed’ to our on-site green cone food waste digesters
• We supply our guests with recycled toilet paper for use during their stay
Energy
• We are installing a ground source heat pump. This clever machine converts stored solar energy in the ground to provide central heating and hot water and only uses a small amount of electricity to power the pump. No need for gas or oil !
• We are investigating the installation of a wind turbine to further lessen our dependence on non-renewable energy sources
• We are installing under-floor heating in the ground floors of all our cottages and fitted radiators on the first floor with thermostatic valves
• We are overhauling (and replacing, where necessary) our windows and doors to reduce drafts and heat loss to a minimum.
• Curtains over external doors help to further reduce drafts and heat loss
• We are investing heavily in insulating the solid stone walls of our cottage with rigid insulation boards behind plasterboard lining
• We are adding extra insulation in the loft spaces
• We are installing as many energy efficient bulbs as possible
• Wherever possible, we have fitted minimum ‘A’ rated appliances to reduce energy consumption
• We make as much use as possible of the sun and wind to dry our laundry
• We monitor electricity usage to help identify potential savings
Water
• We collect rainwater from our roofs in butts for watering the garden and containers in the courtyard
• We are fitting all baths with over-bath showers as a water saving alternative
• We are installing dual-flush toilets in all our cottages
Purchasing
• Wherever possible, we use local suppliers. Our current renovations are being undertaken by local builders, architects and craftsmen
• We offer local suppliers the opportunity to match prices we have received elsewhere
• We buy in bulk to reduce packaging waste
• We supply our guests with complimentary toiletries in refillable plastic bottles for use during their stay
Transport
• We provide guests with information on cycle hire, local transport, and a place where they can lock bicycles up safely
• We have lots of information on “walks from the door” to give guests the choice of a car free break or holiday.
• We offer a discount for those guests who choose to arrive by public transport or by bike, and can arrange collection from nearby train and bus stations
• We refund our guests the cost of local bus journeys during their stay
• We drive a hybrid Toyota Prius !
How about you, our guests?
We can work together to make less of an impact on our surroundings and we ask our guests to do the following:
• Use our recycling facilities: Reduce, Re-use and Recycle
• Please try and use as little water as possible
• Only turn heating up higher if necessary
• Follow the instructions regarding the septic tanks; chemicals kill the natural cleaning cycle
• Buy products with less packaging
• Respect the Country Code, and dispose of litter carefully
• Buy local food and services whilst you are here. This supports the local community that you have come to visit and reduces food miles
• Use public transport. Go by bus or enjoy the wide range of beautiful walks right on your doorstep at Wheeldon Trees.
• Bring your bikes - we have secure bike racks for you to use