East Sussex self catering accommodation, England
How this holiday makes a difference
Environment
We are proud to demonstrate our care for the environment by the application of sustainable concepts and management systems in all aspects of our business and daily life. We are a gold award holder of the Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS), an accreditation scheme for tourism and tourism-related businesses awarded for environmental good practice.
We have aimed to build and operate our business with the following over-arching principles in mind:
- to consider the environment
- to consider our customers
- to consider the future
- to minimise our ‘footprint’.
In particular, the principles of design and construction aimed to demonstrate to our guests that being ‘green’ does not mean being uncomfortable. We are happy to discuss these principles at any time.
We are committed to continuously:
- Conserve natural resources by the minimisation of negative impacts through education and example
- Protect and enhance our local ecosystem wherever possible
- Minimise pollution by reducing the use of harmful substances and reducing, reusing and recycling wherever possible.
- Comply with relevant environmental legislation and regulations
- Apply an environmental purchasing policy
- Seek to achieve a clean, healthy, safe and sustainable environment for our guests, ourselves, and for future generations.
We aim to minimise pollution of water, the air and the general environment. To this end we ensure that all equipment is regularly maintained. We try to reduce usage of the car, choosing wherever possible to walk, cycle, and use public transport. Both cars are low emission, and run on ultra-low sulphur petrol. All cleaning materials used in Little Marshfoot are environmentally friendly. Ecover products are plant based and totally biodegradable.
Transport: Guests are encouraged to leave their cars at home for a day – by using local transport, by choosing local walks and cycle rides, or by using the Downlander Train and Bus package.
Waste: All waste is sorted for recycling:
- waste food is composted and used in the garden
- waste paper, tins, glass, aluminium are taken to the recycling depot.
Water: Water usage is managed. To this end we have installed showers rather than baths, operate reduced flush toilets, and encourage guests to use the environmental programmes on the dishwasher and washing machine. In the garden we apply mulch to the plants to avoid loss of water through evaporation, and wherever possible cultivate plants which are both drought resistant yet hardy. We voluntarily installed a water meter to monitor usage and to pay a fair charge.
Garden: In the garden, we aim to work in sympathy with our environment. Wherever possible we apply organic gardening principles and aim to attract as much wildlife as possible. Planting schemes are designed to attract bees and butterflies as well as to please the eye.
The patio: In 2006 we built a patio in front of the accommodation, incorporating a number of environmental concepts: The paving is laid in the normal way, but there is no mortar, rather fine gravel between the paving stones. This allows water to soak into the subsoil rather than act as run off, and it also avoids unsightly cracking, as the clay soil expands and contracts according to the season. It is hoped that over time the gravel will be naturally colonised by tiny plants. We created a flowerbed that is planted up with xerophytes, that is, plants that can cope with drought. The idea was to try to discover how we could adapt to climate change... then we had two very wet summers!
The building: When the building was constructed in 1999/2000, we chose good quality equipment which demonstrated the best available environmental technology at that time. The philosophy was that good quality equipment lasts longer and is less likely to break down, thereby minimising its impact upon the environment. We acknowledge that since that date there have been considerable improvements and as equipment is replaced we will always strive to install the best environmental option.
Energy: Energy use is reduced by installing energy efficient equipment, low energy lighting, energy efficient bulbs, and making best use of natural light. Insulation is of the highest standard. We use a Combi boiler with a good energy rating, which only heats water on demand, does not store heated water. Good insulation and double glazing in a building with a south east orientation means that the heat from the morning sun is trapped in the building, reducing the need for space heating. Ventilation is assured however by the sliding entrance doors to the building.
Community
We are committed to continuously:
- Employ local people
- Purchase local products and services where possible and encourage our guests to use local restaurants and shops
Although we do not supply meals, it is useful to know where you can source good quality locally produced food and drink in the area. By supporting local businesses we support the local economy, and also reduce the ‘food miles’ of our purchases. There are a number of excellent farm shops in our location which are well worth a visit.
Landscape
By feeding our birds throughout the year and planting a 'wildlife friendly' garden, we have attracted as many as 36 different species of birds to Little Marshfoot over the years. Foxes and badgers are also regular visitors and enjoy peanuts put out for the birds; and very occasionally we still see a hedgehog - and its droppings!
Books on birds and binoculars are on hand for guests to sit quietly and observe the visitors.
We also direct visitors to the beautiful landscapes that surround us, from the Pevensey Levels to the South Downs and the High Weald
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