Isle of Wight self catering stone cottage, England
How this holiday makes a difference
Environment
The farm, gardens and fishing lakes are organic. No fertilizers or pesticides are used and nectar rich grasses have been planted for the benefit of butterflies, bees and other insects. All areas are managed specifically to encourage wildlife, of which there is now a vast abundance. Under our stewardship species diversity has also increased enormously.
Our woodland, fields and hedges host many protected species including, red squirrels, dormice, and some of Britain’s rarest bats. In addition to mammals, many protected birds are either resident or seasonal visitors here. Amphibians and reptiles also occur in abundance and mowing around the lakes is halted at the time young frogs and toads emerge from the water. Since intensive farming stopped following our purchase of the land the butterfly population has exploded and many of the island’s rarities can be seen here. We are passionate about wildlife management and encourage our guests to enjoy this wonderful asset guiding those who are not sure what to look for.
We recycle as much as possible and guests are encouraged to do the same. Recycling extends to stable waste which it taken to a nearby plant to be turned into compost for the Island’s tomato growers. Water saving devices are fitted to WCs to minimize water use. Low energy light bulbs are provided and the cottage is well insulated and double glazed. Fires in the farmhouse are fueled by wood produced on the farm and therefore have a neutral impact on carbon emissions.
We encourage car free enjoyment of the Island and promote walking, cycling, riding and sailing. Storage for bikes, boards and boats is provided and cycle hire is something we are happy to arrange for our guests. The cost of ferry travel for foot passengers is refundable.
Community
The Island’s palaeontological heritage is of particular interest to me and guided tours to the less well known and less easily accessed sites are provided. Also provided is a fossil identification service and talks and presentations have been given at Dinosaur Isle and to many interest groups both on the Island and throughout Britain. I have also given interviews and contributed to programs for international, national and local radio and TV and been the subject of many articles in the press both here and abroad. These all serve to promote the Island and therefore its residents and businesses.
Aside from this and our commitment to improving the environment, I am also keen to help those who wish to take up fly fishing and provide lessons for them. During these, management of the lakes for wildlife is explained to anglers who are also encouraged to carefully release their catch. Yachting is in my blood and I am a Life Governor of the RNLI.
Visitors are encouraged to buy local produce and use local services. Information on many of these is provided in the cottage. Emphasis is given to promoting small businesses producing specialist products. Among many, these include things as diverse as marine and landscape photographs, garlic, chilies, glass, chocolate, stone ground flour, silverware and lavender.
Landscape
When new guests arrive their first comment is almost always “Wow! What fantastic views!” We always respond by saying that this is just a start and that much of the Island is like this. As part of our welcome we spend time pointing out other places with stunning land- and seascapes. We also stress that the best way to enjoy these views is on foot or on a bicycle. Maps are provided and footpaths and cycle-ways give immediate access from the farm to the surrounding Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. While we are keen for the Island to develop renewable sources of energy and are exploring renewables for the farm we do not believe that land-based giant wind turbines are compatible with the Island’s unique landscape and have campaigned against them.
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