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We’re
committed to sustainable tourism and want to make being green as easy as
possible for you while you stay with us.
We are proud to have been awarded a Silver grading under the Green
Tourism Business Scheme
Situated
within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Westley Farm
comprises 70 acres of mixed pasture and woodland environments. Julian
converted the cowsheds and barns on this 200 year old farm himself using
local traditional crafts and materials wherever possible. We continue to
use local tradesmen, suppliers and craftsmen in the everyday running of
both farm and holiday cottage businesses. We have installed solar water heating in the farmhouse for
keeping up with all the summer linen washing. Thankfully the winter load
is relatively light by comparison. As part of our efforts to reduce the
impact of the business on the environment, we also offer full recycling
facilities to our guests and are investigating the possibilities of
providing our own electricity from a wind turbine.
Here's what we're doing to reduce our carbon footprint and make our
business as green as we can:
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We
encourage our guests to participate in sustainable practices
such as;
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Recycling;
every cottage has it’s own recycling and composting bins. We
separate all your recycling for you (we even recycle batteries and
light bulbs) and compost your vegetable waste for our garden
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Buying
local produce; We are lucky to have the nations best
farmer’s market in Stroud every Saturday. Every cottage also
has details of local places to eat and local food producers who
deliver to the cottages
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Minimising
car use; we offer to take guests to/from local train stations.
Every cottage has details of local walks. We have local maps
available.
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We
have liased with a local cycle hire company to have hired bikes
delivered and collected from the farm
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We
buy environmentally friendly cleaning products such as Ecover, in bulk
from The Green
Shop
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We
use local craftsmen and services. Our cleaning & gardening team
all live within walking distance to the farm.
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Weekly
visitors to the cottages get home made flapjacks or biscuits, Fair
Trade organic tea and sugar and milk bought from the local village
shop.
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We
monitor energy and water use regularly throughout the year and try to
reduce the amount we use without compromising guest satisfaction or
comfort
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We
always try to REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE
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Much
of the farm is under Higher Level Stewardship which means we encourage
wildlife and protect and enhance habitats for rare and endangered
species on our land
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We
are involved in community action groups (Transition, Community
Supported Agriculture, local archaeological and environmental groups)
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We
structure our environmental practices to ‘GTBS’ standards and set
yearly objectives and targets to ensure we continue to improve
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We
encourage the use of local transport wherever possible and promote
local walks, cycle routes and attractions
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