Devon eco lodge accommodation, England

Planet

Wildlife
The past 50 years have seen British farmland wildlife in steep decline. We strive to show that rather than competing with farming, wildlife is an asset. Our business has always been subtly different - it's not about making our tourism income green it's about using tourism to make a living from the land while also cherishing (and restoring) its biodiversity. You'll hear the tawny owls call, maybe see a barn owl, find orchids in the meadows in spring, and sleep as snug as our dormice at night.

Energy
But no-one can truly care for wildlife while ignore the climate crisis. So we put sustainability into every aspect of the business and our daily lives, from only using renewable energy to boycotting palm oil and hand-sorting recycling. We always strive to minimise the 'embodied energy' modern consumer lifestyles so easily waste. The farm produces its own clean green energy - and has done for many years now. We generate power with our 11kw wind turbine and solar PV panels. But energy efficiency is equally important. So we analyse our energy consumption and strive to improve efficiency. The lodges use 75% less energy per occupied night than the averge UK home. Yet there's nothing particularly high tech or difficult. Come and see how we've done it - Ian is always ready to chat and you might get ideas and knowledge to use when you get back home.

Lower Carbon Travel
Most people come by car, but you don’t have to, and there are ideas for car free adventure days.
Hassle-free electric vehicle recharging point.
All guests can borrow free bicycles for local trips - or bring your own for longer adventures.
Free arrival and departure pick up for car free bookings at Eggesford station (4 miles on the picturesque Tarka Line) or the Exeter-Barnstaple bus (nearest stop 1.5 miles, Winkleigh Village).

People

Friends and neighbours
We work hard to make sure your vacation also benefits our community - by recommending local pubs, putting you in touch with farm shops, our lovely local wine merchant, and Devon's fantastic produce suppliers. We find you local 'off the beaten track' places to visit and 'days out' ideas from paddling in a stream to taking a 40 mile 'train and bike' adventure (with tea shops along the way!).

Campaigning for change
We also campaign for tourism to 'do more with less', in particular using our green awards and speaking opportunities to challenge the UK tourism industry's obsession with 'luxury'. Of course everyone wants a luxury vacation, but it should come through quality, not disposable consumerism. For us, luxury is a treat to yourself, a fantastic environment, dark skies at night, birdsong in the mornings, a personal welcome and a genuinely rejuvenating vacation.