Hawkley self-catering barn, South Downs, England

Carbon reduction

Your holiday will help support local people and conservation. We must also reduce CO₂. Learn about the CO₂ emissions of this holiday and how to reduce them.

Environment

The conversion project was supported by the Rural Development Program for England, partly funded by Defra and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. From conception through to completion the project was made as sustainable as possible. The barn has been awarded Gold in the Green Tourism Business Scheme. A solar heating system provides hot water and a wood burning stove provides warmth, with logs supplied from the woodland.

The farm is part of the Entry Level Stewardship scheme to enhance and conserve wildlife. Thriving species include; bats, barn owls, sparrow hawks, badgers, foxes, deer, rabbits, plus many species of birds and insects. The 10 hectares of farm comprises of pasture and woodland. The pasture is either cut for haylage or grazed by conservation animals from a local farmer. The wood covers nearly 5 hectares and is a mix of ancient semi-natural woodland, semi-mature planted trees and new oak. In 1995 an ongoing management scheme was implemented with the Forestry Authority. Regular maintenance work includes the protection of young trees, clearing fallen trees, protecting coppiced hazel and some high pruning. The barn has resources to help you learn more about the trees and their uses during your stay.

Community

When the barn conversion project was undertaken, Lou and Richard had a strong vision to source and use all things local. Although not always possible, the vast majority of the materials and finishing touches in the barn are from the Hampshire area and wider regions of the UK. Lou provides plenty of information on the local area within the barn, with leaflets about walks, cycling routes, the best places to eat and the hidden gems of Hampshire!

The Hawkley Inn will be your local; just 20 minutes walk from the farm and offers a warm welcome with real ale and country pub food. For all your other foodie needs, Lou recommends Selbourne Stores, The Queen’s Deli and Bowtells Farm Shop, all within 3 miles of the farm. There is also a local farmers market every 1st Sunday of the month in Petersfield. Petersfield is well known for its huge variety of book shops and Liss has a specialist wool shop. Lou and Richard also support local artist Tricia Porter, whose tree photographs are available to buy at the barn.