Ludlow accommodation, eco lodge in Shropshire, England
How this vacation makes a difference
Environment
Guests at the cabin can make an environmental difference by:
- Reducing air travel by vacationing in the UK rather than abroad.
- Staying in a low carbon building that is managed and run sustainably.
- Buying from local businesses. In the Ludlow area, there is a great opportunity to buy really good quality locally produced food from butchers, bakers, fruit and veg sellers, wholefood shops, Ludlow Food Centre, breweries, pubs selling local ales, and restaurants using local and organic produce. There is also a wide choice of sustainable outdoor activities including walking, canoeing, cycling and climbing.
- Trying out the various low carbon technologies in the building, such as the wood pellet stove and oven, solar water heating, low energy and LED lighting, and induction hob, to assess whether they are viable and practical changes to make to their own home.
- Thinking of ways to increase the enjoyment of their vacation, while decreasing car use. This might include making the most of the great range of things to do locally, hiring bikes or electric bikes, or using the train, for example for a walking day in the hills around Church Stretton. Or perhaps spending a half day shopping locally for delicious fresh food, and the other half barbecuing by the river.
- Minimising waste to landfill by recycling.
We are lucky to live next to the wildlife corridor that the river forms, and we have attempted to help wildlife to thrive by: gardening organically, managing the woodland beside the river, and planting trees and shrubs which offer food for birds, butterflies and insects, building a large pond, which this year has been the nesting site for a family of mallard, and feeding the birds. Whilst we have changed the environment by planting and weeding, we have minimised disturbance to the wildlife corridor by keeping wild areas and plenty of cover.
Community
The cabin currently offers employment to one person. We have employed local tradesmen and bought materials locally for building wherever possible. We have Planning Permission for a further cabin, and potentially we may at some stage employ staff for help with cleaning.
Apart from spending on local building materials, our best contribution to the local community is to encourage guests by promoting other local businesses. There are a large number of leaflets and brochures in the cabin, and we offer recommendations for places to eat and drink when requested.
We promote local entertainment, including music, drama, arts, and film, through local publications: Ludlow Assembly Rooms produce 2 booklets quarterly, one showing films, and the other covering other activities including drama, music, children's vacation activities, workshops and dance and The monthly publication 'Broad Sheep' covers music, drama, dance, art, and more over a wider local area.
We have a Sustainable Purchasing Policy which has been adhered to throughout the process of building, equipping, and running the cabin.
Our priorities have been:
- to use natural, or recycled materials
- to use materials which have not required high energy use during manufacture
- to minimise transport of materials
- to choose appliances and fittings which minimise use of electricity
- to choose the lowest carbon ('Deep Green') electricity tariff possible
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