Really enjoyed our stay, great scenery, great weather and great cottage! Thank you very much, will definately recommend!!
A & S Brocklebeck - April 2010
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Environment
Brackenrigg is a beautiful place, in a stunning location….and we recognise our responsibility to operate all aspects of our businesses in an environmentally responsible manner.
Brackenrigg Barn and High Rigg have both achieved a Gold Award from the Green Tourism Business Scheme, and piloted the new Biodiversity Award sponsored by Natural England
This is what's been achieved so far:
We recycle; glass, paper, cardboard, metals, plastic and compost kitchen vegetable matter.
We use environmentally-friendly cleaning & laundry products, and provide these for you to use.
We use of low energy light bulbs and other energy saving devices where appropriate. Both Brackenrigg Barn and High Rigg buys Green electricity.
Brackenrigg Barn & High Rigg have loft insulation, and are double-glazed throughout. High Rigg has cavity wall insulation.
We monitor heating use to ensure plentiful warmth & comfort without waste. We have replaced radiators in High Rigg with a modern system with themostatically controlled valves
We have installed a wood burning stove in High Rigg and provide unlimited free logs if you turn off your central heating. Otherwise we encourage you to use the log burner and provide you with a large free basket (roughly 2-3days supply).
We replace old appliances with new rated A or B
Reuse: we reuse as much as we can: eg old wardrobes for raised beds in the polytunnel, old cd's as bird scarers, old sheets for dust sheets, reuse plastic bags and stationary etc
Office stationary and toilet paper is 100% recycled
High Rigg has funded planting of 500 willow trees to provide fuel and as a major carbon off-set. More tree planting is planned in the woodland.
For those who wish to minimise car use, you can bring your bikes (with a secure bike store on site) or hire bikes in Keswick. Bus routes & timetables are available and, of course, wonderful walks straight from the door.
There are bird nesting boxes and feeders for both the birds and red squirrels. In this sensitive area it is also important to monitor carefully for encroachment by grey squirrels.
We have developed a new bee and butterfly border, a wildflower meadow, and bug hotel in the woodland.
You can pre-order a very wide range of exceptionally high-quality local meats, game and barbeque specialities, thus minimising “food miles”, and supporting good farming practice.
High Rigg and Brackenrigg Barn support national & local environmental and wildlife initiatives including The Green Tourism Business Scheme, Lake District Tourism & Conservation Partnership, 'Save Our Squirrels' and RSPB
Our water comes from a stream high on the fell, we collect and treat ourselves without use of chemicals (filters and UV light). Water used for the garden is drawn off prior to treatment. New bathroms have dual flush cisterns.
We provide books, maps and guides to help you enjoy the natural environment including walks, cycle routes and hire, bird and wildlife guides
You may want to be a sustainable guest...here are a few suggestions....but we leave this up to your own conscience & beliefs!
Walk from the door or make use of the local bus services. You can even get here by public transport. Off-set the carbon generated by your travel - use a carbon calculator & make a donation to an organisation that'll plant a tree for you (eg UNESCO billion tree campaign)
Give us all your compostable kitchen waste for the garden. Use our extensive recycling facilities
Reduce your thermostats to save oil and AAL (add another layer). Only boil as much water as you need in your kettle. Have a quick shower instead of a bath
Use full loads in dishwashers and washing machines and use economy cycles. Use airers rather than the driers.Turnoff appliances and lights when not in use
Patronise locally owned shops and attractions, buy locally produced foods and fair-trade goods
