Our Environmental Policy

Bleasdale Cottages has been shortlisted for the Green Tourism Business Scheme Goldstar Awards 2012. The shortlist has been compiled from the highest scoring Gold graded businesses from 2011 representing the greenest 2% of the total GTBS membership.

At Bleasdale Cottages we are committed to providing a good quality service whilst minimising the environmental impact of our activities.You will stay on a farm managed for wildlife in accommodation designed for sustainable tourism, featuring wood pellet central heating and private water supply.

In 2011 we installed an array of Photovoltaic panels to generate electricity form sunlight. In 2012 we installed a Green Cone food waste digester system. It will take all the food scraps that cannot go into the compost bins.

Other recent projects have included creating a new orchard, more hedge planting and hedge laying. 2011 also saw the addition of two Owl boxes, the first is at the edge of our ten year old woodland on a recycled telegraph pole with views to Beacon Fell. The second is in a mature ash tree near the cottages with views of Parlick.

Early in 2013 we will be taking delivery of two electric bikes, which can be hired by guests or other visitors. These bikes will be part of a wider Forest of Bowland Electric Bike network which is being set-up to encourage people to explore the AONB by bike.

As part of this commitment we are members of the Green Tourism Business Scheme which provides accreditation and encouragement for tourism businesses to reduce the environmental impact of their activities. By promoting sustainable practices the scheme will help ensure the continued enjoyment of the environment around us for future generations. We are also members of Bowland Experience through which local businesses work together with others to keep the Forest of Bowland special.

We work closely with the RSPB, and other conservation organisations to maintain and improve wildlife habitats on our land. In particular to increase wading bird and Brown Hare populations and to enhance biodiversity.

The majority of Lower Fairsnape Farm is either woodland or in Higher Level Stewardship. This means we manage the land in ways to promote wildlife and preserve traditional countryside features. To this end we have planted more than 7 hectares of open woodland, created shallow pools for wading birds, created a small wildlife lake and manage our pastures to create the ideal habitat for wildlife. We have also created paths that provide excellent walking for our visitors of all kinds. Including sections suitable for a Tramper ( a specially designed four wheel drive all-terrain electric buggy).

Our website is hosted by 1&1, the first web host to rely solely on renewable energy, in accordance with the Renewable Energy Certification System (RECS).

At Bleasdale Cottages we encourage guests to consider their environmental impact and where possible to.

• Compost green kitchen waste.
• Use the separate bins provided for bottles, cans and paper.
• Use recycled paper products.
• Support the local food producers / restaurants by recommendation.
• Use environmentally friendly washing and cleaning products.
• Leave hazardous waste such as batteries with us for safe disposal at our local recycling centre.

At Bleasdale Cottages where possible.

• We supply environmentally friendly washing products and cleaning materials for our guests use.
• We use environmentally friendly washing and cleaning products in our own cleaning routine.
• Cardboard is taken to Council Recycling Centre.
• Newspapers, old clothing etc are collected by the local school to raise money for their funds.
• Low energy light bulbs are used where possible and we will replace all bulbs with them when they need replacing.
• Almost all our appliances are A rated.
• All gardening is pesticide free and we aim to encourage beneficial insects.

We encourage sustainable tourism by provision for walkers and cyclists and extensive information on low impact activities and encourage our visitors to follow the Sustainable Tourism Visitor code.

To encourage awareness of the environmental sensitivity of the natural environment of The Forest of Bowland we have an extensive range of information produced by the RSPB, Forest of Bowland and other organisations and promote interpretive events and walks organised by such bodies.

We encourage our guests to support local producers, pubs, restaurants and cafes and we promote local tourist attractions and events.

We welcome, support, participation, and suggestions from you our customers as to how we can improve our environmental policy and protect the environment and increase the enjoyment of your stay.

Our wood pellets are supplied by Billington Biofuels