Elham Valley bed and breakfast in Kent, England
How this holiday makes a difference
Environment
Chris chairs the Local Elham Environment Group. We have embarked on many Eco projects since its inception aimed at improving sustainablity and reducing the carbon footprint of the village.
a) With the help of the charity 'Kent Men of the Trees', we have planted 75 trees in strategic spots around the village.
b) We have arranged for the manufacture of 600 sustainable fabric shopping bags. The bags carry our logo and are on sale throughout the Elham Valley
c) We have conducted a doorstep campaign to help households with advice on thermal insulation, including the distribution of free energy saving light bulbs and a free thermal imaging service.
d) We are currently engaged in setting up community plots for fruit and vegetable produce by local people
Alison buys from local producers whenever possible. Our eggs are free range from a local smallholding, our sausages, bacon and black pudding come from a local farmshop, our cheese and yoghurt come from Ottinge Court Farm Dairy just 300 yards down the lane. Most days Alison is baking home made bread for our breakfasts and guests are normally greeted with a plate of her home made cookies. We are also avid jam makers giving the choice of toast and marmalade at breakfast a whole new meaning.
Our District Council has now introduced a strict recycling regime. All our glass, plastic bottles, plastic food packs and tetrapaks are carefully stored in a purpose made bin. Our waste cardboard and paper are separated out in another bin whilst our food waste either goes in the garden compost or in the dog! Our waste to go to landfill is now minimal.
Both our guest rooms are equipped with showers to save water and we save rainwater by using waterbutts where possible. Even the garden wheelbarrow is left erect to collect the rain!
Community
Chris is involved with a number of community initiatives including,
a) Acting as a public rights of way volunteer, helping to keep footpaths clear and properly signed, styles repaired, kissing gates installed and route maps updated.
Chris has recently approached the Elham Parish Council with a proposal for the village to join the 'Walkers are Welcome' scheme. The scheme's purpose is to attract green tourists into the village by ensuring that all the facilities necessary for walkers are in place. This includes, footpaths that are maintained and properly signed, routes from the village that are published and up-to-date, together with cafes, pubs and accommodation that are walker and dog friendly.
b) Helping with the Elham Primary School Gardening Club, teaching pupils how to grow and look after flowers and vegetables in the school garden.
c) Belonging to the Kent's Elham Valley Visitor Group whose mission is to encourage Green Tourism within the valley to aid the local economy and promote Elham as a place to visit.
d) Chairing the environment group and a local activator for all things Green. Our latest initiative is to present to the Elham householders the possible technology options for renewable energy at home and in the community. To support this initiative we are planning to install Solar PV panels on three of our community buildings. In addition we are employing a consultant to carry out a feasibility study of a biomass district heating system to feed heat to the church, the school and old peoples homes in the village.
Alison is a keen member of the WI, the Elham Circle. and the Elham Gardening Club. All three organisations help to promote a sense of community within the village and carry out a number of fund raising events throughout the year to aid local charities.
Landscape
Chris & Alison are keen walkers and with their English Pointer 'Robin', have walked much of the surrounding countryside and built a deep knowledge and understanding of all the local footpaths in the area.
Our B&B is situated on the beautiful Elham Valley Way, a 21 mile footpath through woods and fields which connects Folkestone to the bustling City of Canterbury. As part of his job as countryside access warden, Chris strives to keep abreast of local developments to ensure that walkers rights and enjoyment are not jeopardised by litter and thoughtless actions by others. In addition Chris has acted as a guide to London Tourism staff to assist in promoting the area as a top destination for Londoners looking for a tranquil short break in Kent.
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