Here at Blackthorn Gate we have spent a lot of time creating an environment which is sustainable both for work and for pleasure. We would like to engage our guests in ensuring that a stay here is as comfortable and green as possible. With this in mind we have:
● Planted thousands of trees to create woodlands, have restored and replanted hedgerows, excavated ponds and ditches all as part of our plan to create wildlife habitats.
● Worked closely with Tees Valley Wildlife, Askham Bryan Agricultural College and local volunteers on programmes including bird, bat, pond and wildflower surveys, tree planting and building a sand martin and kingfisher wall.
● glazed, insulated to the highest standard and are fitted with energy efficient heat pumps. All radiators have thermostatic controls.
● Provided environmentally friendly washing and cleaning products.
● Have fitted ‘A’ rated electrical appliances wherever possible. Fitted the majority of light fittings with low energy bulbs and have an ongoing plan to replace all others as appropriate fittings become available.
● Fitted dual flush toilets. Have installed a bio digester for all waste water.
● Water from the roofs of all buildings is diverted to a ditch which runs into a wildlife scrape.
● Provided recycling facilities for guests.
● Are committed to complying with all environmental regulations and setting objectives for improvements.Ensured that our Lodges were constructed with pine from sustainable forests.
You can help by:
● Switching off lights when you go out for the day and when you retire for the night (especially porch and veranda lights).
● Switching off underfloor heating and towel rails in bathrooms when not required.
● Using the recycling facilities provided.
● Shopping locally and sampling the locally produced delicacies
● Leaving the car at your Lodge and wandering around the woodland and ponds on the farm or taking a longer walk using the public footpaths that cross the farm.
● Letting us know what you see around the farm by writing in our nature diary. Also if you see, for example, a bird or flower you don’t recognise, take a photograph or make a note of its description and where it was seen and we will try to identify it.