The Walkmill Luxury Self-Catering Cottages in Norbury, Shropshire.

The Walkmill is Going Green!

At The Walkmill we are committed to reducing our carbon emissions and to reducing waste.  To demonstrate our commitment we have developed a ‘Green Policy’ which we now share with our guests.  We have also applied to be a member of the Green Tourism Business Scheme, and are committed to being formally assessed  (and graded) by the end of 2010.  In the meantime we will endeavour to adhere to continuous good environmental practice and the sustainable development of our business.

As part of our commitment to ‘Going Green’ we have completed a rigorous self-assessment (using the framework provided by the Green Tourism Business Scheme) and can confirm that we comply with the relevant legislation, however we will continue to review and monitor our policies to reduce the negative impact our business has on the environment, whilst striving to maximise the positive aspects.

We are committed to reducing our carbon emissions and to reduce waste.  Examples of our efforts include:

 

• Installing the latest condenser boiler with an A rating for energy efficiency  (Walkmill Lodge);

• Using low energy light bulbs; 

• Installing Thermostatic Radiator Valves to allow for better control of heating;

• Replacing white goods (once they have passed there useful life) with low energy ratings ones;

• Installing replacement double-glazed windows;

• Providing strong shopping bags made from recycled plastic bottles;

• Ensuring the roof, floors and walls are insulated to the very highest levels;

• Encouraging our guests to leave their car at home by offering to collect/return guests from the local train station (and running promotions with our local pubs!).  Bikes (and helmets!) and information on public transport are provided;

• Providing recycling and compost bins;

• Encouraging our guests to feed the hens with (suitable!) leftovers;

• Installing Toilets (Walkmill Lodge) have low flush cisterns;

• Installing a state of the art treatment plant which treats effluence and releases the clean water back into the river (without chemicals);

• Providing washing machines with water economy programmes;

• Collecting river and rain water for use in the garden;

• Providing showers, and Walkmill Lodge has a slipper bath designed to save water;

• By using environmentally-friendly cleaning and laundry products, purchased in bulk to reduce packaging;

• By using recycled, unbleached paper products;

• By providing toiletries with recyclable packaging, bottles and caps;

• By purchasing very high quality Egyptian bed linen which is wearing extremely well.  However this will be replaced with Fair Trade Organic Cotton bed linen when necessary.

• Managing our grounds to attract native plants and wildlife;

• Not permitting smoking on site.

We encourage our guests to support our efforts by:

• Turning off all devices when they are not in use; 

• Switching off lights when they are not in the room and using the dimmer switches provided;

• Using the Thermostatic Radiator Valves to control the heating levels in each room;

• Using the strong carrier bag made from recycled plastic bottles provided (rather than acquiring plastic bags);

• Using the environmentally-friendly cleaning and laundry products provided;

• Using public transport or the bicycles (and helmets!) provided, or taking one of the beautiful circular walking/cycling routes right from your door (route maps provided)!

• Using recycling and compost bins provided;

• Keeping stale bread/cake for hens!

• Using the water economy programmes on the washing machine and dishwasher;

• Not smoking on site.

We are committed to supporting our local community:

We encourage guests to attend local fetes, coffee mornings and events.  Details are provided in the cottages.

 

We are committed to supporting the local economy:

• Guests are welcomed with a homemade cake using eggs from the Walkmill free range hens (purchased from the Wernlas Collection near Ludlow);

• Guests are encouraged to shop and eat locally;

• We have our own groceries delivered once a week and offer this service to our guests (without carrier bags!);

• All our furniture has been purchased locally (Shrewsbury) or was bought second hand and refurbished on site.

We encourage our guests to support our efforts by:

• Shopping locally and buying local produce or eating at our local pubs and restaurants (3 are within walking distance!).

We also encourage guests to enjoy our wonderful countryside responsibly:

• By leaving gates as they find them;

• By protecting animals and plants by not dropping litter;

• By keeping their dogs under control.

 

For a copy of our ‘Green Policy’ please contact Gilly Bachelor by email at enquiries@thewalkmil.co.uk or call 01588 650 737.

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