What makes us eco?
Here are some of the environmentally-friendly things we do in our campsite.
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1. We're organic
Our whole farm is certified organic by the Soil Association, so you can relax knowing no chemicals have been sprayed anywhere. We've been organic for over 15 years, and this is reflected in the wildlife now living on the farm, which all stems from a healthy life-filled soil.
2. We use 100% renewable electricity
We generate all our own electricity on-site with our 40kw photovoltaic solar panels and 6kw wind turbine. Any surplus is exported to the national grid via Good Energy.
3. We save water
We conservatively estimate that our waterless compost toilets save at least 40,000 litres of water each camping season. That's enough for 400 baths! This also means that amount of water is saved from having to be treated, and we get compost to use when we plant trees, too. On the wider farm, we have a big rainwater harvesting infrastructure project in the pipeline (!) over the winter which is going to save a lot more water too.
3. We repair and re-use
We don't believe in replacing our tents every season as some larger sites do. We clean, treat and maintain our canvas, patching when necessary. When tents do come to the end of their lives they will be re-used whenever possible for other applications. Much of the furniture we use, including the kitchen in the Apple Hut, is second-hand.
4. We refill
We provide eco-friendly biodegradable shampoo, conditioner, shower gel (Faith In Nature), hand soap and washing-up liquid (Bio-D) which are all refilled from bulk 5 litre containers. Whenever possible the bulk containers are also refilled at our local shop (Daily Bread Cooperative). We buy 5 litre concentrate of surface cleaner (Orange Mate) which is watered down, and concentrated 'drops' for glass cleaner (Ocean Saver).
5. We're reducing plastic
As well as refilling cleaning products, we've switched from providing mini bottles of shampoo etc to using dispensers, and sourced firewood in cardboard boxes instead of plastic nets. We've been presented with a Surfers Against Sewage Plastic-Free Business Champion award by Sustainable Cottenham, and we're still working to further reduce single-use plastics in both our campsite and on the farm generally (for example by using compostable mulch mat instead of mypex plastic to suppress weeds when planting hedges).
6. We recycle
We have the same recycling collections as you'd have at home in our area, so you can recycle all the usual packaging, as well as food waste, while you stay with us.