North Downs B&B in Kent

We moved to the property in May 1995: a very rural and unspoilt area of the Kent Chalk North Downs. As a family we have always recycled, re-used, or made last. It saves us money, it saves environmental damage, and we we have an inbuilt dislike of throwing things away that are still useful and work. Within our business we try and carry out as many healthy environmental practices as possible. We look at what we buy; we look at the energy we use; we try to minimise our waste.

Low energy lightbulbs are used wherever feasable. Outside lights are worked on a censor basis with a time control to keep use of electricity to a minimum. Thermostatic radiator valves are used on most radiators, to save unnecessary heat. The heating system is timer controlled, and can be switched off in summer without interfearng with domestic water. Loft insulation is in place, and all windows are double glazed, and walls are dry lined with insulation board. The annexe is painted throughout with environmentally friendly paints.

Showers are used instead of baths to save on the amount of water. We use lower temperature washing settings where possible. We check regularily for dripping taps. We do have a towel agreement whereby guests are asked to save towels that they do not need to use to one side,and keep the same towel during their stay by allowing drying and re-use. We also have water barrels at various points around the property and this water is used for watering plantpots and washing steps and concrete areas.

Recycled paper is used throughout, i.e. kitchen roll, toilet roll, and printer/photocopier paper. We use chlorine-free cleaning products (i.e Ecover products) and oxygen-based products (i.e. domestos O2, Cif Oxy Gel). We recycle all paper, card and glass at local bottle and paper banks. Aluminium and steel cans and plastics also go to be recycled. Used guest soaps are used up in the house.

Charlie uses smokeless fuel on his Forge, and has recently changed to an environmentally friendly de-rusting agent for cleaning up metal. The workshop is heated by a wood burning stove which also heats radiators in the gallery. The wood is collected from our local woodyard's off cuts pile from their coppicing activities. This wood also goes to provide fuel for the wood burner in the house, thus saving on oil. Steel is one of the most recycled matarials around with nearly five million tonnes being recycled annually worldwide.

Garden waste is composted along with vegetable waste. The manure heap is regularily disposed of by various gardening friends. Kitchen waste and bread, etc is either composted or goes to the chickens.

Guests are encouraged to eat at one of the many local pubs and restaurants. Although we lost our post office two years ago, post office facilities are available in Doddington Village Pub on Monday pm. We also have a village garage. As far as possible we source our food from local producers or grown in our own garden. Our own home fed chickens produce free range eggs for most of the year. We also use our own home made jams. We use sausages and locally produed meat from our local butcher within Doddington. We also use in-season fruit and vegetables either locally produced or grown in our own garden. Guests are encouraged to eat at one of the many local pubs and restaurants.

We also use the internet and email wherever possible, to promote the use of environmental practices, e.g. we have a strong connection to the Faversham which promotes a green/environmental attitude to all its visitors. It also hosts pages for members of the Faversham Area Tourism association which strongly promotes green tourism and enjoying a holiday without relying totally on the car. We are served by Faversham or Teynham Railway Station where taxis are available, or alternativly guests can arrange to be picked up.