Trinity Island self catering lodge, Ireland
How this holiday makes a difference
Environment
Alumenium cans, tin cans, plastic and glass are all recycled at the local collection depot. Cardboard is recycled through a local shop along with the cardboard from the shop. Compost is put in the compost heap and when decomposed we use it in the garden.
We gather the water off the roof for washing boots and watering flowers . We have cards in the bathrooms asking the guests to use the water sparingly.
We scan the waterway for illegal fishing and we have found and reported illegal fishing to the authorities.
We generate our own electricity from photovoltac cells on the roof of the play room and from a 1 kw wind turbine.
The Island is planted with broadleaf trees and is a haven for wildlife. We have put some bird boxes in place for small birds these are inhabited by tits. We built a big nesting box in the old Oak tree on the very top of the island for big birds. Though there are buzzards we have not attracted any big birds as yet.
There are two Badger sets in the forest and we are proud of these and we treasure them. Most farmers would not have badgers on their farms for fear of them spreading desiese.We would put up serious opposition to any body trying to do a badger cull. We take guests for a walk around the island pointing out the badgers set and the foxes den under the old Ash tree.
We have a large flock of whooper swans come and stay for the winter. In the winter of 2010 we had severe frost and the lakes froze over. We had 98 whooper swans beside Trinity Island where the river dident freeze because of the current. It is beautiful when the Swans arrive in a big V in the sky and to hear their chatter of frosty nights. If there is a flock on the lake and jhey are joined by another flock they sound like they welcoming the new flock. They are really beautiful.
There is a number of plover who graze by the river. We mow the grass near the lake for these grazing birds. The swans also graze as does the snipe. We also have large flocks of widgeon, tufted ducks and teal.
We have a small number of pheasents in the forest. We are planning to introduce more birds in 2012. Since the increase in number of pine martins, the number of red squirrells have increased. It is difficult to see them but an adventure trying as they jump from tree to tree. We have a local birdwatcher who will take the guests for a walk around the island pointing out the flora and fauna. Her business is called "Blue Damsel Tours".
We have a ban on shooting on Trinity Island since 1990. This is difficult to enforce as the huntsmen shoot from boats driving along the outside of the reeds and putting their dogs into the reeds to flush out the ducks. The hunters are not on our property when they are in the boats. We keep our signs up saying "No Shooting" and parole the property at the beginning of the shooting season.
Since the forests were planted in 1989 1nd 1999 we see an increased no of buzzards, foxes , hares and badgers.
Community
We support as many local people as possible. We buy all our groceries, fuel and meat in Killeshandra (5km). We use the local laundrette, A local woman helps us prepare the Lodge for the guests. Our gardener and lawn mower man are from the locality. Our painter and decorator lives in Cavan.
Our guests support the local economy by buying their provisions in the local store and their alcohol in the local off licience. They love to go to the local pub for drinks in the evening and to meet the Irish people especially when there is Irish Music being played.
We provide canoes for touring the lakes and rivers and boats for fishing. The guests use the tackle shop in Killeshandra to purchase bait and equiptment. There is also a local gilly who gives advice on fishing.
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