Surrey Hills bed and breakfast near Dorking, England
How this holiday makes a difference
Environment
Our commitment to the ancient woodland is evident through the ongoing programme of woodland management in conjunction with a local woodland management consultant. Following many years of neglect since the woodland was last used commercially, coppicing began in 2000. Since then, restocking, drainage, ride management and aftercare works have helped to make the woodland one of the most vibrant and diverse in the area.
During 2012 restocking will be carried out by British Airports Authority employees. The BAA's new terminals are heated by biomass boilers burning woodchip created from waste coppicing products from this and other woodlands across South East England.
During the month of April each year we receive many visitors, some local and some for further afield, coming to view our bluebells - they are a sight to behold - a real treat!
In accordance with the local authority's recycling policy we sort our waste into general, recyclable and compostable and dispose of accordingly.
Water butts are used to catch rainwater for watering the plants in the garden. Water reducing devices are fitted in all our toilet cisterns. Unnecessary laundry is avoided by laundering towels and sheets according to Visit Britain's minimum standards unless guests request otherwise.
Wood from our own trees is burnt on our open fire to reduce kerosine usage for heating needs.
We use local suppliers wherever possible, thus reducing food miles. We are lucky to have an excellent farm shop nearby which sources much of its produce from nearby farms and food producers. Georgina is also a supplier to Village Greens with her decorated cookies.
Community
Having lived in the area for over 40 years we have a wealth of local knowledge to share with guests. As we live, work and play in the locality we consider ourselves well equipped to advise guests on local amenities. We visit local pubs, restaurants and attractions when we can so that our recommendations are really personal.
We are involved in many various aspects of village life with our roles and responsibilities including School Governor, Church Sidesman and Bell ringer, Men's Group Committee Member, Capel Classic Car Show Committee Member, girl guiding leader for Rainbows and Brownies, parents / supporters of our local schools. Through these activities we are engaged with current issues affecting local people. All of these activities are voluntary commitments which we believe enrich the local community.
Running a local Removals Business, Norman understands the importance of local businesses supporting each other and providing employment for local people. He works closely with local Estate and Lettings Agencies, and provides storage and delivery services for a Dorking based kitchen design studio. All this is undertaken with employees who live in our local towns and villages.
Over the last 13 years we have established an informal network with other local accommodation providers. We liaise over availability, pricing and purchasing supplies. We share orders / deliveries of products where possible to reduce the amount of road usage by delivery vehicles. We also operate a system of referring guests to each other if we are already fully booked, thus keeping guests in the locality and benefiting other local businesses.
Landscape
Our welcome refreshments served to guests provide the perfect opportunity to share our enthusiasm and knowledge of the local area. Having grown up in the area we can usually provide information, advice and anecdotal stories about many local places. Through the course of our lives we have spent many hours exploring, learning, travelling, enjoying, meeting, eating, drinking, shopping and generally living life in and around the Surrey Hills. Our own story is that our relationship was kindled whilst Georgina was working at Leith Hill Tower and Norman was a keen mountain biker and regular customer. A few years later there was only really one place Norman could propose - yes on Leith Hill in sight of the Tower! Since marrying in 1996 we, and now our 2 sons, are still regular visitors to the hill!
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