Our approach to the Environment & Sustainability
We are committed to preserving and enhancing the exceptional Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in which we are privileged to live and welcome our guests. We are always looking at ways to improve our environmental impact and working towards being more sustainable. Here are some of the ways in which we try to meet our commitment at the current time.
Conservation
The farm is part of the DEFRA, Mid tier, Countryside Stewardship scheme. This scheme helps us to actively encourage a wide range of fauna and flora by providing varied managed & undisturbed habitats on the farm. Adding a multitude of wild flowers, berry & seed bearing plants and trees suitable for the local wildlife. A natural, spring fed, stream runs through our valley and feeds our small lake that is home to native fish and ducks. During 2022 we are working on restoring the banks of the stream. We have been working with a local bee keeper, who has eight hives at the top of our valley field, and we look forward to being able to supply honey to our guests. Our orchard is a key habitat to help conserve the Horseshoe Bat population. During the winter of 2022 we are further renovating the orchard to ensure that the apple and pear trees continue to flourish. We have also planted 250 hedgerow trees to create a new hedge line that will provide additional shelter for bats, other wildlife and our own animals.
EV Charging is here!
With the ever increasing use of electric vehicles we understand the need for our guests to be able to charge their cars whilst they are on holiday. We are pleased to say that we have a Rolec dual 7.4Kw EV charger available exclusively for guest use. Payment for EV car charging is via the Monta App or by scanning the QR code on the charger. Your will require your own EV cable.
Eco Friendly products
We are always looking at ways to reduce our environmental impact. The pandemic made us increasingly aware of how important it is to support local and British made products. As much as possible we use cleaning products made in the UK. This includes Bio-D® washing up liquid, that is biodegradable, packaged in 100% UK recycled material, Vegan friendly and made from natural derived ingredients. Eco Egg washing machine balls for the cottage washing machine. We have reduced our disposable plastic usage and only use refillable soap products in the cottages. We use local Devon produced products within our welcome packs!
Natural Water
Our water is from our own borehole on the farm and is free of chemicals. It is tested yearly by the local authority to ensure it meets required standards. It tastes amazing! As the water is from a bore hole we are careful not to waste it, as in dry summers the supply could dry out! We conserve as much rain water as possible in various water butts around the farm to water all our plants.
Log Burners
All the cottages are fitted with log burners to provide extra heat. We provide free logs, using well seasoned wood from fallen trees on our farm. There is nothing better than relaxing in front of a fire!
Energy Saving
All of our cottages have been refitted with a double layer of high quality insulation to reduce heat loss and so reduce our electricity usage. In addition the cottages are all fitted with low voltage lighting, thermostatically controlled radiators and have wood burning stoves to provide supplementary heat. The majority of our outside lights are solar powered where possible.
Solar Power
We have solar panels on the roofs of our swimming pool and one of the barns to help reduce our use of mains electricity. We aim to increase our solar energy production capabilities over the next few years, by adding more solar panels on another barn, and adding battery banks to each cottage to reduce our carbon footprint still further. We encourage our guests to conserve electricity by asking them to switch off lights and appliances when not in use.
Home grown/produced food
We have numerous animals on the farm that produce food for our guests and the local community. Chicken and duck eggs make for the best breakfasts and cakes! We are also able to supply home reared lamb, pork and goat meat, such as bacon and sausages, on request and subject to seasonal availability.
Our local community & carbon footprint
Think & Buy Local – Whenever possible we use and support local suppliers. We provide information to guests about shopping locally and have a number of local suppliers who will deliver to guests at the farm. We actively support local organisations such as the Brixham Archers, Firscroft Honey bees and the wider agricultural community. We help our guests reduce their car luggage load by providing all the essentials needed, including basic equipment and toys for babies and young children. We also encourage guests to make the most of enjoying the farm and local area, rather than spending time in their cars. OS maps of the local area are within each of the cottages for guests to be able to plan their adventures!