New Forest rural cottage sleeps up to 6, England
How this holiday makes a difference
Environment
At Burgate Farmhouse, I am passionate about the environment and try to re-cycle, reduce & re-use as much as possible. Re-cycling is encouraged. As well as clear plastic sacks for paper, plastics & cans, I also provide a large container for glass (which I take to the local bottle bank). There is a compost bin for guests to use (along with several others in the garden).
The half acre garden is mainly lawns, trees & shrubs (with an area for ball games etc). There is an area behind the summerhouse which is left pretty wild to assist wildlife. Most of the garden is surrounded by thick hedging. Birds have built many nests around the garden & birds come back year after year.
Low energy lightbulbs are used where possible. Toilets have low-flush options.
Washing machine use at 30 degrees is encouraged. Most electrical appliances are now 'A' rated.
All the usual tourist leaflets are available but a box file is provided in each cottage with comprehensive information, leaflets & books etc about the History, Heritage & Culture of the New Forest.
Heating is by electric night storage heaters. The tariff is called 'Weather Watch Superdeal' which means that the Electricity Supplier controls the amount of heat from the heaters according to the weather conditions. This means that individual heaters don't need adjusting & ensures heat isn't 'wasted' when the weather warms up.
Cleaning products and other 'consumables' are bought from the New Forest Purchasing Organisation which uses local products as much as possible. They make the deliveries using sustainable transport (biodiesel I believe).
Burgate Farmhouse is a Grade II Listed Building (built approx 1480) & is one of the oldest buildings in Fordingbridge. I feel very priviledged to live here & take delight in sharing it with my visitors. All repairs & renovations are undertaken very carefully to ensure that the character & heritage are not compromised. The person who does all the repairwork has a 'caring interest' in the property - he lived here with his family when he was a young lad!
Car free tourism is encouraged - we are accessible by public transport (train to Salisbury & then bus to Burgate where the bus stop is just 20 metres away).
Bike storage is available or bike rental nearby.
The New Forest Tour Bus now includes a route through Fordingbridge & this is recommended to guests.
Community
Guests are given up to date information on local events occurring during their stay.
An OS map, several walk books & cycle guides/maps are loaned (along with a car park 'clock' which gives free parking in all town car parks in the New Forest area).
The New Forest Marque is a fairly recent initiative whereby food & goods that have been grown, reared, caught, brewed or produced in the New Forest area are promoted as much as possible. This helps local businesses. Leaflets giving full details of New Forest Marque producers are promoted. There are several 'eateries' fairly close by which are recommended. The Royal Oak at Fritham is a particular favourite of mine & there is a lovely walk or bike ride across Hampton Ridge to reach it. Another good local eating place whick uses New Forest Marque produce is the Alice Lisle Inn at Rockford, near Ringwood. This is a lovely family friendly pub.
My thatcher lives very close by. When any re-thatching or repairs are needed, he is always happy to take time to explain what he is doing as visiting tenants always love to watch.
My cleaner, who helps with the changeover cleans, has worked here for over 9 years & now acts as 'caretaker' if I am away. She is a single parent & used to bring her 2 sons along with her when they were younger (& they always wanted to 'help' with some tasks). Now, her eldest lad is back here doing a Saturday job, helping me around the garden. I am able to give him tips on gardening etc which will stand him in good stead for the future.
I am very active in the local community as a member of Inner Wheel (the ladies part of Rotary). We work hard on local initiatives & fundraising & support many of the smaller local charities which get no funding or grants. We also help with hospital flowers & at the old people's lunch club.
Wherever possible I spend money on local goods & services & support local businesses as much as possible.
New Forest Marque producers are actively promoted, along with leaflets of other suppliers of locally made produce.
Landscape
I have lived here for 24 years and have built up a good knowledge & understanding of the New Forest, its history, heritage & customs. I am always happy to share this with my guests.
Burgate Farmhouse is on the Avon Valley Footpath so guests can go walking straight from the property. Heading out across the River Avon (over the foot suspension bridge), through the water meadows & up towards Godshill is a favourite walk which I recommend (they can get to the Fighting Cocks pub in about half an hour!).
A pair of binoculars are provided in each cottage to help enhance enjoyment of the wildlife & countryside.
I am a member of the New Forest Green Leaf Scheme & have attended most of their training days. I find these very useful as I am able to extend my knowledge & understanding of the New Forest further. I take any opportunity to share this knowledge with my guests so they can fully appreciate the area. My visit to the Verderer's Court in Lyndhurst was particularly interesting. On another visit, we were told the reasons for deer culling & even toured the building in the middle of the New Forest where the venison was prepared. A very recent day included details of woodland management with information about the controlled burning which takes place. I find that the role of Commoners, Agisters & Verderers is always of great interest to my guests. Visitors are amazed to be told that all the ponies are actually owned by people & that they don't stray very far from where they are put out.
I feel it is a priviledge to live close to such a special place & to be able to share my knowledge with others who are interested.
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