Our Bit for the Environment
Our commitment
We are committed to providing attractive and comfortable accommodation that promotes the environmental benefits of the local Dorset countryside and to promoting the real value of good local food, produced with minimum adverse impact on the environment.
Please try to help us where you can!
Shopping
Our aim… wherever possible, is to buy local produce, items made from recycled materials, goods that are not over-packaged and products that are durable or refillable.
Your bit… While you are here you will be able to buy meat, fruit and vegetables from local producers. There is a monthly market in Sturminster on the 4th Friday of the month 9am till 1pm and a weekly Country Market, formally known as the W.I. market, where you will be able to buy local produce at great value.
We also offer the option of ordering a Dorset Breakfast Hamper full of locally grown and reared produce - just the thing to set you up for day out walking or exploring! The hamper includes wonderful sausages and bacon, as well as (season permitting) tomatoes, mushrooms, milk, fruit, muesli, yoghurt, cereal, eggs, bread, preserves and fruit juice - all locally sourced. There is plenty for 2 breakfasts, probably 3 or 4!
Price: £40 for 2 people or £64 for 4 people. Please ask for details.
Do also try the ‘Udder Farm Shop’ only a few miles away at East Stour. They have locally produced fruit, vegetables and meats as well as a range of organic groceries and a café. Their website is www.theudderfarmshop.co.uk.
There is another fabulous farm shop at Stourhead National Trust House too stocking their own meat, local cheese, bread and vegetables and often also selling vegetables locally grown when gardeners have too much!
‘Olives et al‘ just down the road to Sturminster Newton has a fabulous selection of goodies from truly delicious olives to irresistible chocolate and to die for delicatessen items – well worth a visit! Their website is www.olivesetal.co.uk.
If you suffer from wheat intolerance yet still crave the most delicious cakes then ‘HoneyBuns’ is only a short drive away at Holwell. Their website www.honeybuns.co.uk will give you more information but I can highly recommend their Heathcliffe Brownie and Snowy Hills… delicious!!!
Recycling
Our aim… Is to recycle as much as possible in a small attempt to save natural resources, save energy, reduce the need for landfill and reduce the cost of disposal. We aim to make as small an impact on the environment as possible and also provide within the cottage a selection of environmentally friendly yet effective cleaning products for you to use during your stay…
Your Bit... During your stay we ask that you try to do as much of this as possible without compromising the quality of your holiday!
We have provided a bin at the cottage for recycling plastic bottles, cans and glass, no need to separate them, we will do that but a quick wash would be appreciated!
To avoid paper, newspaper and magazines from blowing away or getting soggy, please could you put them in the plastic box under the stairs.
Compost
Our aim… is to compost and recycle as much as we can to reduce waste and landfill.
Your Bit… Raw vegetable waste can go into the green food caddy which we will empty once a week. This is turned into compost by Somerset District Council as Dorset does not have facility to do this yet. The caddy has a filter in the top so all smells are kept inside… we have one at home and it’s fine, I promise!
Energy: efficiency, conservation and management
Our aim… is to reduce energy consumption in all activities by gradually changing white goods, gadgets and fittings to low energy use options. We use low energy light bulbs wherever possible and energy efficient appliances. The loft is also fully insulated.
Your Bit… If the property is too warm for you please turn down the thermostat before opening any windows!
We would really appreciate it if when you leave you could let us know if any bedding or towels have not been used as we do try to be as environmentally aware as possible and it seems a waste to re-wash clean items!
Transport and getting around
Our aim… is to minimise the use of car and fuel consumption by ourselves and our guests.
Your Bit… Try for at least one 'car free day' - perhaps doing one of the local walks, or why not bring or hire a bike?
Management of water resources
Our aim… is to minimise use of fresh water across all activities even in times of plenty. We have put water hippos in the toilets and are taking into account water consumption when buying replacement goods like taps and dishwashers.
Your Bit… Please try not to waste water. Even just turning the tap off while you clean your teeth or saving up your washing to make a full load can make a big difference.
Conservation of the landscape and wildlife features
Your Bit… Enjoy the countryside around you, but please respect it. Please follow the countryside code and, as the saying goes, "take only pictures; leave only footprints".