Berkshire self catering cottage, sleeps 2, England
How this holiday makes a difference
Environment
Energy
We are currently building an additional eco sustainable cottage which will be constructed from Structurally Insulated Panels and will include sustainable energy saving technologies including a solar photovoltaic system to provide free electricity to the cottage during daylight hours significantly reducing CO2 emissions over grid bought electricity. There will also be installed, a whole house mechanically ventilated system recovering 90% of heat normally wasted by traditional ventilation systems. An air sourced heat pump will supply underfloor heating and a solar thermal system supported by an air source heat pump will provide hot water. The cottage will have high levels of insulation approaching code 5 for the Code for Sustainable Homes.
Waste
We currently have recycling facilities conveniently located and easily accessible to guests consisting of separate bins for paper/cardboard, tins and plastics, and glass. There are full details in the property detailing which day the waste is collected. We produce our own compost by collecting horse manure from our paddocks which we give away for free to local residents/allotment holders.
We are on a private drainage system and have recently refurbished our Victorian septic tank and completely replaced a dilapidated drainage field. We have a policy of not using any cleaning chemicals which may interfere with the efficient operation of the system.
Similarly, we do not use any chemicals/fertiliser on our land and our paddocks are managed as wildflower meadows.
Community
Our ethos and market strategy is focused on sustainability and supporting the local community. We have established close links with numerous local businesses, encouraging all our guests to use local services, particularly the village shops. For example, we have recently established a link with Nappers Delicatessen which has been in business for many years and is a much needed focal point in the village. They sell a variety of local produce and will deliver food to our guests. We also have an arrangement with a local mountain bike specialist who will hire bicycles and deliver them for guests prior to arrival. We also refer enquiries that we are unable to fulfil to another local self catering establishment in a neighbouring village and vice versa. We include full details of opening hours of local shops and facilities etc in the cottage. We also have all the local tourist attraction leaflets and guide books/maps available in the cottage to guests. We also have a full list of local restaurants/pubs in the cottage, including a variety of international cuisine including Indian, Chinese, Italian and French. We have eaten at most of these establishments are can recommend to guests according to taste and budget.
Landscape
We are situated immediately adjacent to an area of Special Scientific Interest and are in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, namely The Holies owned by the National Trust. We have good knowledge of the local fauna and wildlife and advise and encourage our guests to explore and experience this wonderful site. For example we have a resident population of Red Kites and Buzzards and The Holies, being a chalkland grassland, is known for the Chalkhill Blue Butterfly and a variety of wild Orchids. We are also immediately opposite the Thames and advise guests on the best places to see such species as Kingfishers, Grebes and other water fowl. Immediately to the rear of our land is an ancient site, Grims Ditch, thought to be prehistoric bank and ditch earthworks which leads to the Ridgeway National Trail. The purpose of these earthworks remain a mystery but as they were too small for military use, they may have served to demarcate territory. Archaeologists agree that Iron Age people built the earthworks around 300BC.
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