Isle of Wight self catering cottage nr Shorwell, England
How this holiday makes a difference
Environment
We support Green Tourism and have received a Gold Award in recognition of our sustainable practices.
We have a strong environmental ethic and actively encourage guests to support us in this. We are members of the IOW Car-free scheme where guests can get discounts to various attractions if travelling by bike, bus or train. We reward guests travelling to the island without cars by arranging and funding ferry tickets if they travel as foot passengers. Leaflets are provided with local walks and cycle routes and guests can store cycles securely in the garage. From our feedback forms we know that guests appreciate our recycling efforts. Guests are provided with clear guidance on how to dispose of glass, paper and metal cans and a compost bin is provided for kitchen waste.
We source our energy from Good Energy, a supplier that only uses 100% green energy. Around 50% of our light bulbs are low energy and we are working to replace the rest. We advise visitors (via a folder in the cottage) how they can help us save energy by turning off lights, using the microwave rather than the cooker, not filling the kettle, not leaving appliances on standby etc. We have two water butts and we have notices that remind our guests not to waste water, e.g. when cleaning their teeth. Guests are asked to only place wet or dirty towels & linen in the laundry basket and only these are washed.
Community
Guests are treated to the luxurious IOW Lavender soap and shower gel in the bathroom and ensuite. We support Gift to Nature – an island project that gives visitors and locals alike the chance to get closer to nature. Our membership is used to improve the natural environment, looking after some of our most precious island wildlife such as the red squirrel and the rare Wall lizard.
In our own garden, guests can relax by our crystal clear brook that has its source a few hundred metres away in NorthCourt. Enjoy the birdlife as well – we supply a variety of bird food and it is a treat to watch the birds on the feeders just outside the kitchen door!
We have recycled our old furniture and furnishings using Wight Ads and replaced with new, bought on the island. We provide a welcome pack of fresh produce from the local shop and provide a directory of local suppliers in the cottage.
We support the local Freshwater Independent Lifeboat via our lifetime membership. Visit the Lifeboat Shop at Freshwater Bay to see the "Brookside Cottage" brick that we purchased as part of their fundraising efforts.
We use the services of a cleaner/caretaker and gardener from the local area (i.e. next villages of Brighstone and Calbourne).
Landscape
We provide a wealth of information to our guests on how to enjoy the local landscape. With a spectacular coastline, rolling hills, green countryside, historic buildings and welcoming pubs, the island makes a great location to explore on foot or by bicycle. We provide an Ordnance Survey map and walking / cycling books & leaflets. As members of Hampshire & IOW Wildlife Trust we also share their newsletter and events diary. In our own garden, guests can relax by our crystal clear brook that has its source a few hundred metres away in NorthCourt. Enjoy the birdlife as well – we supply a variety of bird food and it is a treat to watch the birds on the feeders just outside the kitchen door!
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